Artificial Intelligence
Public awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has exploded over the last few years, in part due to the popularity of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, which have made AI more accessible and easier to use. But beyond these generative tools, AI is already part of our daily lives in ways you might not realize such as email sorting and navigation apps.
In 2025, President Trump issued several executive orders related to AI, including one that emphasizes the importance of AI education for American youth (K–12). This increased national focus on AI has encouraged many individuals and organizations to explore and adopt AI technologies.
But how familiar are you with AI? Do you know how it works? Can you use AI to help with your 4-H project work? Below, we’ve provided three short videos to help you learn more about AI and how you can use it in a positive and ethical way.
Ohio 4-H stances on AI and project work
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to extend learning and assist in creation for Ohio 4-H projects. AI is meant to support a 4-H member’s work, much like asking other 4-H members or adults for help and is not intended as a replacement for the member’s original thoughts and efforts. If AI is used, it should be acknowledged as a tool when showcasing their project such as during demonstrations and judging, etc.
Defining Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is seen by many people as a single, all-encompassing tool, but this couldn't be further from the case. Learn more about what AI is and how varied of a tool it can be.
Understanding How AI Works
Artificial intelligence, no matter its applications, is a complex tool that senses, learns, reasons and acts. Discover how AI works and how it manages to perform human-like tasks.
Ethically Using AI in Your 4-H Project Work
Artificial Intelligence can be an amazing tool, but it can very easily limit your critical thinking and creative potential. Learn how AI can be beneficial for your time in 4-H without letting it think for you.
Self-Directed AI Challenge Opportunities
2025 AI Challenge by 4-H
The 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge aims to empower youth to design solutions for agricultural problems using AI. Participants will identify a problem or challenge within the agricultural industry, brainstorm solutions that utilize AI technology, then pitch their solution to the problem in a short video detailing what they learned. This project will be judged on a national level, and will be due November 15th, with the project showcase to start on December 1st.
The 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge
Presidential AI Challenge
The Presidential AI Challenge seeks to inspire young people and educators to create AI-based innovative solutions to community challenges while fostering AI interest and competency. Student participants will complete a project that involves the study, development, or use of an AI method or tool to address community challenges, while educators will focus on creative approaches to teaching or using AI technologies in K-12 learning. The final submission to AI.gov will be due on January 20th, 2026.