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2025-26 AI Challenge

Pilot Contest — Be Among the First to Think Beyond the Bot

Ask the questions. Challenge the answers.

Our Essay and Video Contests encourage students to think critically and express themselves clearly. Now, with AI tools becoming part of daily life, we’re piloting something new: A contest that asks students not just to use AI—but to challenge it.

Students will act as curious investigators and devil’s advocates, not passive consumers of information. Inspired by journalist John Stossel, the contest values curiosity, critical thinking, and the responsible use of AI.

It’s not about polished writing or slick production—it’s about asking sharp questions, digging deeper, and recognizing that AI isn’t always right. The goal is to walk away with a stronger, well-informed perspective on a meaningful issue.

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Submit by January 9, 2026

Ask the questions. Challenge the answers.

Our Essay and Video Contests encourage students to think critically and express themselves clearly. Now, with AI tools becoming part of daily life, we’re piloting something new: A contest that asks students not just to use AI—but to challenge it.

Students will act as curious investigators and devil’s advocates, not passive consumers of information. Inspired by journalist John Stossel, the contest values curiosity, critical thinking, and the responsible use of AI.

It’s not about polished writing or slick production—it’s about asking sharp questions, digging deeper, and recognizing that AI isn’t always right. The goal is to walk away with a stronger, well-informed perspective on a meaningful issue.

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Submit by January 9, 2026

Submit Entries Here

Students may submit on their own, or teachers may submit entries for their students.

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AI Challenge at a Glance

Eligibility & Divisions

  • High School Division: Grades 9-12
  • Residency: U.S., Canada, or U.S. military address

Key Dates

  • Submission Deadline: January 9, 2026 by 11:59PM ET
  • Winners Announced: February 20, 2026

Student Awards for Each Division

First Place: $1,000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
10 Finalists: $100 each

How the Challenge Works

  • Step 1: Choose a Prompt
    • Pick one of our three prompts below.
  • Step 2: Chat with AI Bot
    • Use one of these three approved tools—ChatGPT, Gemini, or Poe—to explore the topic in a real conversation. Ask tough questions. Challenge the answers
  • Step 3: Reflect
    • Write 500-750 words about what you learned and how AI helped—or didn’t.
  • Step 4: Submit
    • Share the link to your AI conversation and submit your reflection using the buttons at the top of the page.
Topics & Prompts
Instructions & Reflection Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Scoring Rubric
Complete Rules

AI Challenge at a Glance

Eligibility & Divisions

  • High School Division: Grades 9-12
  • Residency: U.S., Canada, or U.S. military address

Key Dates

  • Submission Deadline: January 9, 2026 by 11:59PM ET
  • Winners Announced: February 20, 2026

Student Awards for Each Division

First Place: $1,000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
10 Finalists: $100 each

How the Challenge Works

  • Step 1: Choose a Prompt
    • Pick one of our three prompts below.
  • Step 2: Chat with AI Bot
    • Use one of these three approved tools—ChatGPT, Gemini, or Poe—to explore the topic in a real conversation. Ask tough questions. Challenge the answers
  • Step 3: Reflect
    • Write 500-750 words about what you learned and how AI helped—or didn’t.
  • Step 4: Submit
    • Share the link to your AI conversation and submit your reflection using the buttons at the top of the page.
Instructions & Reflection Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Scoring Rubric
Topics & Prompts
Complete Rules

This Year’s Topics, Prompts, & Starter Resources

Choose one of this year’s prompts and build your case. Read the summaries, then click to see the full prompt and suggested starter resources.

The Truth About Tariffs: Who Really Pays?

Use AI to explore both the benefits and downsides of tariffs. Ask devil’s advocate questions, press for clarity, and challenge the AI’s reasoning.

Full Prompt & Starter Resources →

The Birthright Citizenship Debate

Ask AI to explain the origins and implications of birthright citizenship, then challenge its logic and look for missing perspectives.

Full Prompt & Starter Resources →

Time’s Up? Should Congress Have Term Limits?

Use AI to examine arguments for and against congressional term limits. Question assumptions, follow up on vague claims, and dig for trade-offs.

Full Prompt & Starter Resources →

Tips for AI Challengers

  • Pick one of the three prompts that sparks your curiosity or feels personally meaningful
  • Treat your AI like a conversation partner—not just a place to get answers:
    • Keep the conversation going by asking follow-ups and challenging assumptions
    • Push back when answers are vague, biased, or off-track
    • Dig deeper; don’t settle for superficial responses
    • Use the back-and-forth to sharpen your thinking, not just collect information
  • When writing your reflection, focus on what challenged your thinking, what surprised you, and what you ultimately learned.
  • Make sure your chat is viewable by anyone (set to public or shareable)
  • Before submitting, double-check that you’ve met all the requirements