Who can participate?
Middle school, high school, and college students — as individuals or teams. All skill levels welcome.
About the challenge
What is the Human-AI Collaboration Challenge?
A two-day symposium event hosted by Morgan State University's Center for Equitable AI & Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS). Middle school, high school, and college students compete to build AI-powered software that improves teaching, learning, engagement, or access in K–12 education.
What will I build?
An AI software solution addressing a real K–12 education challenge.
Where & when?
Morgan State University · July 25–26, 2026.
Need AI experience?
No! Hands-on workshops run during the event to get you up to speed.
Competition tracks
Choose your track
Pick a platform and a design approach that fit your skills and vision.
Platform
macOS
Build for Apple's macOS using Swift, Python, or web technologies.
Platform
Windows
Develop for Windows using .NET, Python, or web technologies to reach the broadest audience.
Design approach
Gamified Learning
Use game mechanics — points, badges, challenges — to make K–12 learning engaging and fun.
Design approach
Instructional Learning
Design structured AI-driven lessons, tutoring, or adaptive curriculum tools for educators.
Why participate
Perks & benefits
Beyond building something impactful, you'll gain real-world experience and rewards.
Win up to $2500
Cash prizes for the top 3 teams. Make your idea count.
AI workshops
Hands-on sessions led by researchers and industry professionals during the event.
National symposium
Finalists join the National CEAMLS Symposium — a premier AI & ML conference.
Network & connect
Meet academic researchers and industry professionals in AI/ML.
Raffle prizes
Win tech gear — a 32" TV, projectors, speakers, wireless keyboards, and more.
All meals provided
Lunch & dinner on Day 1, breakfast & lunch on Day 2, plus snacks throughout.
Educator innovation
K–12 AI Education Showcase
Two days of educator-led projects on AI and technology education — engaging workshops, live demos, and teacher resources.
Educator-led projects
Innovative AI projects developed by K–12 educators from across the region.
Engaging workshops
Hands-on sessions to help educators integrate AI into their classrooms.
Live demos
Experience cutting-edge AI education tools in action through interactive demonstrations.
Teacher resources
Curriculum materials, lesson plans, and implementation guides to take home.
Event timeline
Two-day schedule
A packed two days of workshops, building, demos, and awards. All meals included.
- 8:00 AMRegistration & check-inPick up your badge, get set up, meet fellow participants
- 9:00 AMOpening ceremonyWelcome remarks from Morgan State University & CEAMLS leadership
- 10:00 AMTeam formationForm your own team, get matched, or compete solo
- 11:00 AMAI Workshop 1Introduction to AI tools, APIs, and frameworks for education
- 12:30 PMLunch breakProvided for all participants
- 1:30 PMBuilding begins!Start building your AI solution. Mentors available throughout.
- 3:00 PMAI Workshop 2Advanced techniques — NLP, computer vision, and more
- 6:00 PMCheck-in & progress updateBrief check-in with organizers and mentors
- 7:00 PMDinnerDinner provided. Keep building!
- 8:00 AMCheck-in & morning startRe-check in for Day 2, get energized
- 8:30 AMBreakfastProvided for all participants
- 9:00 AMBuilding continuesFinal stretch! Mentors available for last-minute guidance
- 12:00 PMSubmissions dueAll project code and documentation submitted by noon
- 12:30 PMLunch breakProvided while judges review submissions
- 1:30 PMDemos & judgingEach team presents their solution to a panel of judges
- 3:30 PMAwards & closing ceremonyWinners announced, prizes awarded, closing remarks
Frequently asked questions
Got questions?
The challenge is open to middle school, high school, and college students of all skill levels — beginners welcome. Individuals can participate; a team is not required.
Two platform tracks: macOS and Windows. You also choose a design approach — Gamified Learning or Instructional Learning. Mix and match to create your ideal solution.
No prior AI experience is required. We host AI workshops on both days to bring everyone up to speed with the tools, techniques, and frameworks you'll need.
Form your own team before the event, or get matched during the Team Formation session on Day 1. Teams are typically 2–4 members. Solo participation is also welcome.
Bring your laptop, charger, and student ID. All meals and snacks are provided. Come ready to learn, collaborate, and build.
No — participation is completely free. Register at the link above to secure your spot.
Projects are judged on four criteria: Innovation (originality), K–12 Impact (potential to improve outcomes), Technical Implementation (code quality and use of AI), and Presentation (clarity of the demo).
Yes — free on-site parking for all participants and guests. All meals are provided both days (lunch & dinner Day 1; breakfast & lunch Day 2), plus snacks and a tech raffle throughout.
The organizers
Meet the team
The dedicated CEAMLS team behind the Human-AI Collaboration Challenge.
Dr. Kofi Nyarko
Director, CEAMLS
Morgan State University
Ms. Zamalia Bennett
K–12 Outreach Program Manager
Morgan State University
Ms. Farhana Begum
K–12 Outreach Program Coordinator
AI/ML Researcher
Mr. Jamal Williamson
K–12 Outreach Program Member
Researcher
Mr. Oludamisi Arowosegbe
K–12 Outreach Program Member
Researcher
Interested in sponsoring? Contact us at k12ceamls@morgan.edu