Opportunity Title: SAIL AI Innovation Team Competition

Have you ever noticed a problem in your school or district, only to think, “if only someone would fix this?” With the help of SAIL, you can be that someone.

The Scholastic AI Innovation Lab (SAIL) program is looking for teams of 3-5 students and one teacher to join our first-ever AI Incubator. Powered and championed by District First, an organization dedicated to empowering school districts in operational expertise and technology innovation, this program is more than just simulation or a science fair: it’s an opportunity for you and your peers to tackle a real problem in your school district using Artificial Intelligence, backed by seed funding, mentorship from experts at leading universities, and a pathway to building your own start-up from the ground-up.

The Opportunity

Selected teams will move beyond the classroom to build functional, scalable tools. Participants will receive:

  • Seed Funding: Selected teams will receive $3,000 to jumpstart their project.
  • Expert Mentorship: Get direct guidance from AI mentors at top-tier universities, including Harvard, George Mason, Virginia Tech, MIT, USC, and Emory.
  • Path to Market: You will have the opportunity to commercialize your prototype with the help of production experts and professional investment.
  • Professional Skills: Learn applied AI research, product design, and ethics while building a resume that stands out to the world’s best colleges and employers.
  • Epic showcase: present your creation to school superintendents and industry leaders.

For Students: Innovate with Impact

We are seeking teams of 3-5 students who are ready to tackle real-world problems in their home district. Whether you aim to create a new academic tool or solve a complex operational hurdle, SAIL provides the resources to take your vision from conceptual to a full-scale launch.

For Teachers: Lead the Next Generation

Every team requires one Teacher Advisor. No prior experience in AI or coding is necessary. Your role is to provide organizational guidance and ensure the project aligns with your school’s needs and culture. Technical instruction and coding support will be provided by our university partners.

By advising a team, you coordinate your students with university-level learning experiences with talent from top universities, all from the comfort of your own school.

How to Apply

To apply, teams must submit a brief proposal describing the district problem they want to solve, their initial AI solution concept, and their teacher lead using this template. These proposals may then be submitted to this form by March 15, 2026. Please note that this form will need a GMAIL response, though emails listed may be academic. AI-generated applications will not be considered.

Program Timeline

February 1 – Call for Applications Opens

March 15 – Applications Due

April 1 – Selected Teams Announced

April 15 – Participation Contracts Finalized

Summer Research Phase

  • Begins the Monday after your school year ends. Teams will virtually participate in full-time research, development, and mentorship throughout the summer.

August 8, 2026 – Final Showcase, Competition, and Winner Selection @ Virginia Tech Innovation Campus (next to DCA: Reagan National Airport).

  • Top teams may be selected for next-step investment and continued innovation.

Ready to Build the Future of Your School?

If you’re excited by AI, driven by impact, and ready to turn ideas into action, SAIL is your launchpad!

Apply. Lead. Succeed!