4-H Youth Advance in Presidential AI Challenge

Four 4-H youth will represent their states at the Presidential AI Challenge national finals in Washington, D.C., in June. Anirudh Rao, a 13-year-old from Colorado, developed a project to integrate AI into disaster preparedness and science education, leading workshops for youth worldwide to teach AI basics and problem-solving. His initiative, Mirai, also explores alternative battery technologies, earning him recognition as a National STEM Champion. Cooper Lawhorn, 12, from Indiana, created PantryPals, an AI-driven solution to improve food pantry access and community health. Inspired by his own service work, including distributing STEAM kits to hospitalized children, Lawhorn’s project aims to merge technology with environmental and social impact. He previously received a 4-H Youth Engaged in Service grant to fund his initiatives. Srihari Kumaresan, 15, and David Shi, 16, both from Iowa, designed Intelligent Municipal Finance, an AI tool to analyze government spending, detect duplicate payments, and predict budget issues. Their system could save Iowa communities millions annually by improving financial efficiency for schools and public services. The Presidential AI Challenge, a national competition, encourages young innovators to apply AI to real-world problems. These 4-H participants exemplify how AI education is being integrated into youth development programs, preparing them for future careers in technology and leadership. Their projects reflect broader efforts to bridge AI literacy with community service, demonstrating tangible solutions for sustainability, education, and governance.