China and the USA: two nations conscripting AI talent, one school at a time

America’s first lady has recently announced a new initiative, which will encourage children from as young as elementary school to use artificial intelligence (AI) to solve world problems. Where else in the world is imposing this kind of initiative? China.

While China and the US have long fought over technology, both nations seem to have the same idea about forcing AI on their youngest soldiers.

Melania Trump, the first lady of the United States, has announced a new challenge that will expect kids as young as elementary school to use AI to “solve real-world problems in their communities.”

It’s what’s called the “Presidential AI Challenge,” which aims to “foster interest and expertise in AI technology in America’s youth.”

This comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order called “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education in American Youth,” which is designed to keep the US ahead of the game when it comes to AI.

As to be expected from the US, the president’s AI challenge will come with a cash prize and a potential trip to the White House.

If children and educators make it to the final level and are crowned national champions, they could receive a presidential award certificate, cloud credits to specific web resources, and $10,000 for a school or per member of the group.

Similarly, across the world, one Chinese city, the home of DeepSeek, is making it a mandatory aspect of education for children as young as seven years old.

AI studies will be mandatory in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, where one of China’s strongest and cheapest AI models was born, starting from the new school semester.

Kids in Hangzhou will be required to finish 10 hours of AI learning in class time throughout the whole academic year, according to WION.

The media outlet said that the city of Hangzhou wants to prepare top AI talent for the future job market.

In a way, the US seems to be following in China’s footsteps with the “Presidential AI Challenge,” as the nation is introducing children as young as kindergarten age to AI.

While the AI curriculum won’t be too extreme, Hangzhou is planning to introduce AI applications and AI-powered devices to children as young as eight and nine years old.

In third and fourth grades, students will be expected to learn how to use AI for their school work, WION has said.

Students will be expected to complete projects and tasks to demonstrate their knowledge.

The media outlet has also said that along the way, kids will be required to learn AI ethics while understanding online privacy and safety.