{"id":6414,"date":"2026-01-15T23:06:02","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T04:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stcenter.net\/?page_id=6414"},"modified":"2026-04-06T18:43:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:43:15","slug":"opportunity-title-sail-ai-innovation-team-competition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stcenter.net\/?page_id=6414","title":{"rendered":"Opportunity Title: SAIL AI Innovation Team Competition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Have you ever noticed a problem in your school or district, only to think, \u201cif only someone would fix this?\u201d <\/strong>With the help of SAIL, you can be that someone.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Scholastic AI Innovation Lab (SAIL) program<\/strong> is looking for teams of 3-5 students and one teacher to join our first-ever AI Incubator. Powered and championed by <a href=\"https:\/\/districtfirst.org\/\"><strong>District First<\/strong><\/a>, 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Selected teams will move beyond the classroom to build functional, scalable tools. Participants will receive:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Seed Funding:<\/strong> Selected teams will receive <strong>$3,000<\/strong> to jumpstart their project.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expert Mentorship:<\/strong> Get direct guidance from AI mentors at top-tier universities, including <strong>Harvard, George Mason, Virginia Tech, MIT, USC, and Emory<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Path to Market:<\/strong> You will have the opportunity to <strong>commercialize your prototype<\/strong> with the help of production experts and professional investment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Professional Skills:<\/strong> Learn applied AI research, product design, and ethics while building a resume that stands out to the world&#8217;s best colleges and employers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Epic showcase<\/strong>: present your creation to school superintendents and industry leaders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For Students: Innovate with Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We are seeking teams of <strong>3-5 students<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For Teachers: Lead the Next Generation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Every team requires <strong>one Teacher Advisor<\/strong>. No prior experience in AI or coding is necessary. Your role is to provide organizational guidance and ensure the project aligns with your school\u2019s needs and culture. Technical instruction and coding support will be provided by our university partners.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How to Apply<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\" data-contrast=\"auto\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stcenter.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SAIL_AI_Fellowship_Proposal_Template.docx\">this template<\/a>.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> These proposals may then be submitted to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/DFc9QE1qEj2YVyKN6\">this form<\/a> <\/span><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">by <strong>April<\/strong><\/span><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> 3, 2026<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">. Please note that this form will need a GMAIL response, though emails listed may be academic. AI-generated applications will not be considered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Program Timeline<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>February 1<\/strong> \u2013 Call for Applications Opens<\/p>\n<p><strong>April 3<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Applications Due<\/p>\n<p><strong>April 15<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Selected Teams Announced<\/p>\n<p><strong>May 1<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Participation Contracts Finalized<\/p>\n<p><strong>Summer Research Phase<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Begins the Monday after your school year ends. Teams will virtually participate in full-time research, development, and mentorship throughout the summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>August 8, 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Final Showcase, Competition, and Winner Selection @ Virginia Tech Innovation Campus (next to DCA: Reagan National Airport).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Top teams may be selected for next-step investment and continued innovation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Ready to Build the Future of Your School?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re excited by AI, driven by impact, and ready to turn ideas into action, SAIL is your launchpad!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Apply. Lead. Succeed!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever noticed a problem in your school or district, only to think, \u201cif only someone would fix this?\u201d With the help of SAIL, you can be that someone. 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