As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes part of everyday life, preparing young learners to understand and use it responsibly is no longer optional. This study examines the impact of the IDEA-AI: Presidential AI Challenge, an intensive, project-based program designed for dual-enrollment high school students at Miami Dade College.
Over a seven-week period, students worked in teams to design AI-informed solutions to real-world community problems. The program integrated foundational AI literacy, ethical reflection (including bias, privacy, and social impact), hands-on prototyping, design thinking workshops, mentoring, and optional industry micro-credentials. Using a structured post-program survey with retrospective pre/post items, we examined changes in students’ confidence, understanding of AI concepts, teamwork experiences, and future academic interests.
Findings suggest meaningful increases in students’ confidence discussing AI, a stronger understanding of how AI can address community challenges, and greater awareness of ethical considerations in AI development. Students reported that collaborative prototyping—including exploratory “vibe coding” sessions—and mentoring strengthened both their technical understanding and communication skills. Importantly, participation also helped many students clarify or deepen their interest in AI, computer science, and related STEM majors.
These findings provide insight into how informal, project-based AI programs can responsibly introduce AI education at earlier stages. By intentionally integrating technical learning with ethical awareness and community relevance, such programs demonstrate how AI education can balance technological competence with human-centered thinking. The model offers a practical framework for educators seeking to bridge secondary and higher education while preparing students for thoughtful participation in an AI-driven world.

Authors:
Elodie Billionniere, Miami Dade College, United States
Lawrence Meyer, Jr., Miami Dade College, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Elodie Billionniere is currently a Professor of Computer Science at the School of Engineering and Technology, Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida, United States.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebillionniere/

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