AI Innovation Challenge
Presented by SEED Innovation Hub and SOVA Innovation Hub
Learn AI. Solve a Real-World Problem. Build Something New.
The AI Innovation Challenge brings together high school students, educators, mentors, and community leaders to learn about artificial intelligence and develop solutions to real needs in Southern Virginia.
No prior AI or coding experience is required. Participation is free.
Phase 1: Virtual Workshops (Open to Everyone)
Beginning in September 2026, students, educators, and community members can join free virtual workshops led by AI experts from Longwood University. You do not need to complete the Challenge Interest Form prior to attending a workshop.
Participants will learn practical AI and product development skills that can help them move from identifying a problem to building and presenting a solution.
Workshop 1: Intro to the AI Innovation Challenge
Workshop 2: Intro to AI Integration Framework for Community
Wednesday, September 16, 3:30pm-5:00pm on Zoom
Workshop 3: Identifying, Creating, and Optimizing AI Workflows for Community Problem-Solving
Wednesday, October 7, 3:30pm-5:00pm on Zoom
Phase 2: Team-Based Challenge (For Students in Grades 9-12)
Challenge teams are designed for students in grades 9–12 in the Challenge region. Public school, private school, and homeschool students are welcome. Middle school students will also be considered. There can be multiple teams from each locality.
Student Teams will:
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- Identify a real-world problem
- Learn from people affected by the problem
- Develop and test a solution
- Receive support from educators and mentors
- Present their work at the SOVA Innovation Hub in late March 2027 for a chance to receive prize funding to help implement their ideas ($5,000 for first place; $3,000 for second place; $1,500 for third place, and $500 for fourth place)
Students do not need AI or coding experience, a complete team, or a totally defined project idea before expressing interest. Student Teams will be matched with community mentors.
Each Student Team will be supported by a local Lead Educator and a group of Team Mentors, including:
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- Lead Educator will be local to the Student Team’s school district. The Lead Educator will serve as the point of contact for all teams within the locality and as a resource problem identification, AI literacy, and AI fluency.
- Educator Mentor who is part of the student team’s school, club, church, or community organization.
- Community Mentor(s) who are involved in local business or government, and who have subject-matter-expertise in the problem that the team is choosing to address.
- College Student Mentor(s) who provide feedback to the student teams as they prepare for the AI Innovation Showcase.
- Longwood University Faculty Mentors(s) including Jacob Dolence (AI Innovation Challenge Program Director) and other faculty members with AI expertise.
Challenge Region
Student Teams must be based in the Challenge Region, which includes these nine Virginia counties:
- Brunswick County
- Buckingham County
- Charlotte County
- Cumberland County
- Halifax County
- Lunenburg County
- Mecklenburg County
- Nottoway County
- Prince Edward County
Team Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Interested students and educators should complete the Challenge Interest Form by the deadline to participate in the Challenge.
Lead Educators
Lead Educator who is local to their school district, who serves as the point of contact for all teams within the locality and is a resource problem identification, AI literacy, and AI fluency. Each Lead Educator will receive a $1,000 stipend following the end of the Challenge.
A Lead Educator will be selected from each participating locality to serve as the primary contact for local student teams. Lead Educators do not need prior AI or coding experience or a complete student team to express interest.
As the Lead Educator for your locality, you will support recruitment of Student Teams, Team Mentors, and Community Mentors. You will then provide guidance and mentoring to the Student Teams and their Mentors throughout the Challenge, which culminates with the AI Innovation Showcase.
Lead Educator Opportunities
We are currently seeking a Lead Educator for each of the following nine counties:
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- Brunswick County
- Buckingham County
- Charlotte County
- Cumberland County
- Halifax County
- Lunenburg County
- Mecklenburg County
- Nottoway County
- Prince Edward County
Lead Educator Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Interested Educators should complete the Challenge Interest Form by the deadline to apply to be a Lead Educator.
Team Mentors
An Educator Mentor is part of the student team’s school, club, church, or community organization. This role mentors a specific team throughout the Challenge (Fall 2026 – Spring 2027).
A Community Mentor is engaged in local business or government, has experience with community problem-solving, and offers subject-matter-expertise in the problem that the team is choosing to address. This role may engaged with a team through a single meeting or through recurring meetings throughout the Challenge, depending on the mentor’s availability and interest.
A College Student Mentor may be enrolled at a community college, four-year college (Longwood University, Averett University, or Hampden-Sydney College), or in a workforce certification program. This role provides feedback to the student teams as they prepare for the AI Innovation Showcase.
Mentors matching will be coordinated by Jacob Dolence (AI Innovation Challenge Program Director) with the Lead Educator for each locality.
Please complete the Challenge Interest Form by Wednesday, November 25, 2026 to apply to be an Educator Mentor. Applications for Community Mentors and College Student Mentors will remain open through early 2027.
Cost and Experience
- Cost: Free
- Student Team Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Experience: No prior AI or coding experience required
- Workshop Format: Virtual
- Final Presentation: In person at the SOVA Innovation Hub in late March 2027
Get Involved
Whether you want to lead local participation, join a student team, attend the workshops, or support students as a mentor, there is a way to participate. To get started, please complete the Challenge Interest Form linked below. Questions? Contact Jacob Dolence (AI Innovation Challenge Program Director) at dolenceja@longwood.edu >