Home > Resources Press Releases Panasonic Foundation and STEM Next Launch National AI Challenge to Empower High School Students as Future Innovators August 18, 2026 Program helps develop AI literacy, strengthen durable skills, and prepare for STEM and AI-enabled careers with up to $5,000 awarded for out-of-school-time programs Newark, N.J., August 18, 2026 – The Panasonic Foundation, in collaboration with STEM Next Opportunity Fund, today announce their inaugural AI Innovation Challenge, a national competition that invites high school students participating in out-of-school-time programs to develop project concepts that explore how AI tools, used consistent with challenge guidelines, can support solutions to real-world challenges while helping students build skills relevant to future STEM and AI-enabled career pathways. Launched by STEM Next Opportunity Fund with support from a 2026 Panasonic Foundation Impact Grant, this initiative challenges students to identify a local or global issue, then use AI tools, consistent with program guidelines, as a research and idea-development resource to study the issue, explore possible solutions, and strengthen critical thinking skills, with awards made to winning out-of-school-time program sites. Areas of focus can include climate resilience, food insecurity, public health, sustainable technology, education, accessibility, transportation, community safety, environmental health, or an issue that matters to participants’ local or global community. “America’s future economic strength will be supported by developing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and technology leaders,” said Alejandra Ceja, Executive Director of the Panasonic Foundation. “Through the AI Innovation Challenge, we are helping students begin building skills and confidence relevant to an AI-driven economy while contributing to a broader talent pipeline for future innovation and growth.” Throughout the competition period, program leaders will provide guidance and support while students lead the research, idea development, and presentation of their projects. Winning entries are expected to reflect how afterschool programs can help young people build AI literacy, strengthen durable skills, and prepare for future STEM and AI-enabled career pathways. “This challenge builds on the unique role afterschool programs play in helping young people build durable skills and address real-world challenges through hands-on learning,” said Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of STEM Next Opportunity Fund. “Through our partnership with Panasonic, young people will have the opportunity to responsibly explore what AI tools can do within the challenge guidelines and how they can use those tools to tackle challenges that matter to them.” The AI Innovation Challenge will award two first-place winning projects $5,000 each for their program site; three second-place winning projects $3,000 each; and five third-place winning projects $1,000 each. Final submissions to the AI Innovation Challenge are due by November 19, 2026. Eligible submissions will be reviewed by Panasonic and STEM Next judges in accordance with the official challenge rules and published judging criteria. Each submission will be evaluated for innovation and impact, AI collaboration and strategy, Career Connected Learning alignment, and presentation. Judges will look for responsible AI use within the challenge guidelines, feedback or iteration, career-connected skill development, and clear communication. Winners will be announced in December 2026. You can learn more about the AI Innovation Challenge at http://stemnext.org/ai-innovation-challenge About the Panasonic Foundation The Panasonic Foundation meets students where they are, in the regions where we live and work, to advance equitable access and early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, particularly among young learners from historically underserved communities. As the philanthropic arm of Panasonic North America since 1984, the Panasonic Foundation bridges the divide between the educational inequities that exist today and the opportunities of tomorrow—securing brighter futures for our communities, our business, and our world. Follow the work of the Panasonic Foundation on Instagram @Panasonic. Learn more at https://na.panasonic.com/foundation. About STEM Next STEM Next Opportunity Fund is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making STEM learning more engaging, effective, and widely available to all youth across the nation through afterschool and summer programs. With more than a decade of experience and a network of afterschool leaders in every state, STEM Next has reached more than 15 million youth and supported more than 450,000 afterschool and summer program educators. Through its signature efforts —the Flight Crew and the Institute for a STEM Ready America— STEM Next helps more young people build the curiosity, confidence, and skills they need for whatever comes next. Learn more at stemnext.org.
