What Is the Presidential AI Challenge?

Dr. Casey Sachs outlines the Challenge's goal for students to use AI to solve real problems, plus registration, mentorship, and competition structure.

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Episode notes

In this episode of ChatEDU (Beyond the Bot and the US AI Presidential Challenge), Matt and Liz open with Google’s VEO 3-powered photo animations and a study showing how large language models are influencing speech.

The Rundown, features updates on NotebookLM, a national AI partnership in Greece, OpenAI certification programs, and AI in math instruction. Matt speaks with Dr. Casey Sachs from the U.S. Department of Education about the AI Presidential Challenge and how students are being asked to solve real problems with AI. The show ends with a Bright Byte on AI-powered stethoscopes.

The Rundown

NotebookLM Adds Audio Overviews

Google adds three new audio formats—Brief, Critique, and Debate—plus improved multilingual support in NotebookLM.

Greece Adopts ChatGPT Edu

Greece partners with OpenAI to roll out ChatGPT Edu in secondary schools and startups, making AI a national strategy.

OpenAI Launches Jobs and Certification Program

A new platform will certify 10 million Americans in AI fluency by 2030, backed by major industry partners.

Parents Losing Trust in AI

A new PDK poll shows parent support for AI in schools is falling, especially around grading and data privacy.

AI Math Goes Viral with Celebrity Voices

Students are learning vectors via AI-generated Drake and Will Smith tutorials. Fun, but potentially distracting.

AI Reviews Popular Math Curriculum

A study finds clarity issues in Illustrative Mathematics’ Grade 4 fractions unit. AI suggests quick, effective revisions.

Melania Trump Launches AI Literacy Challenge

The First Lady convenes education and tech leaders at the White House to launch the Age of AI Challenge for students.

Beneath the Surface: The AI Presidential Challenge

Dr. Casey Sachs from the U.S. Department of Education shares how the challenge invites students to use AI to solve real-world problems, with finalists presenting at the White House. The conversation also covers workforce development, apprenticeships, and what it means to be truly AI literate in today’s world. Learn more or register at AI.gov

Bright Byte: AI Stethoscopes Show Promise — and PushbackA UK trial found AI stethoscopes detect heart issues 3.5x more effectively, but many doctors dropped them due to false positives and workflow issues. Strong signal, mixed reception.

Links and References

AI Presidential Challenge

https://orise.orau.gov/ai-challenge/

NotebookLM Audio Formats

https://9to5google.com/2025/09/02/notebooklm-audio-overview-debate/

Greece-OpenAI Deal

https://www.reuters.com/technology/greece-openai-agree-deal-boost-innovation-schools-small-businesses-2025-09-05/

OpenAI Certification

https://openai.com/index/expanding-economic-opportunity-with-ai/

PDK Poll on AI in Schools

https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5475742-ai-in-schools-parents-poll/

Drake Math Clip