Alcoa, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – A group of elementary students from East Tennessee is earning national honors for their innovative approach to artificial intelligence.
A team of fourth- and fifth-graders from Alcoa Intermediate School won their age division in the Presidential AI Challenge, a national competition designed to encourage students to develop AI solutions to real-world problems. The students were recognized at the White House on June 9, where First Lady Melania Trump presented their award.
The winning project, called “Homework Helper,” is designed to ease homework-related anxiety. Instead of giving answers, the AI tool helps students manage their time and guides them through problem-solving.
The team advanced to the national stage after winning both state and regional competitions. For the finals, students presented their proposal in person, explaining the problem, their research, and how AI could be used to scale their solution to help others.
The project was supported by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s AI Tennessee initiative. Faculty and partners from UT, the University of Memphis, Middle Tennessee State University and Fisk University provided mentorship, training and workshops to K-12 participants.
UT assistant professor Emily Holtz worked alongside Alcoa Intermediate teacher Hope McDonald to guide the students. Holtz says the group not only demonstrated strong technical knowledge but also leadership and teamwork.
University leaders say they hope this success will inspire more Tennessee students to explore artificial intelligence and take part in future competitions.
