The 2025 National 4-H Artificial Intelligence Challenge has recognized outstanding young innovators who are using AI to solve real-world problems in areas such as mental health, agriculture, environmental protection, and public safety.
The challenge, which began at the state level, invited youth across the U.S. to create AI-powered solutions to meaningful issues in their communities. Finalists advanced to the national level to present their work. The competition was created by STEM specialists Alexa Groff of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Mark Light of North Carolina A&T. Their goal: to help youth explore the power and ethics of AI while developing practical solutions to real challenges.
Iowa was strongly represented among this year’s national winners. In the 16–18 age category:
-
First place went to Winston Fan of Iowa City for “PsychSPT,” a mental health assessment system that uses large language models (LLMs) to evaluate psychological well-being.
-
Second place was awarded to Henry Zou of Johnston for developing an AI system that detects corn gray leaf spot disease, contributing to more precise crop management.
-
Third place went to Sraja Rastogi and Sai Bethi from North Carolina for “Smart Sprouts,” which combines AI and Arduino devices to optimize farming practices.
In the 13–15 age category, students showed how AI can support environmental and community goals:
-
First place went to Morgan Bergstrom of Maine for creating a chatbot that helps design culverts friendly to fish migration.
-
Second place was awarded to Summer Wayne of Florida for her project using AI to protect urban green spaces.
-
Third place went to Alex Pellin of Ohio for using AI to analyze patterns of gun violence in Warren, Ohio, and support prevention efforts.
These winning projects highlight the creativity and technical skills of youth using AI to drive positive change. The competition is open to students ages 13 to 18, with the next National 4-H AI Challenge set to open in September.
To see all of this year’s submissions and learn more about the challenge, visit the 2025 AI Challenge by 4-H project board.
