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Join America's first high school championship to identify and develop the next generation of AI leaders. No matter your background or level of expertise, if AI and STEM excite you, there's a place for you here.

Aug. 30, 2025 -  Early application deadline
Nov. 10 - Dec 6, 2025 - Apex AI Championship
Apply now →
 
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AI

The first AI competition built for American high school students

Unlike typical science fairs, where you present past research, the Apex AI Challenge puts you in the driver’s seat to grow your skills and solve real AI problems that matter right now.

This isn’t just another academic exercise. It’s your fast-track to the AI industry.

Competition highlights

The first AI competition built for all American high school students

 
Unlike typical science fairs, where you focus on research projects, the Apex AI Championship puts you in the driver’s seat to grow your skills and solve real  STEM and AI problems that companies are tackling in the real world today.
 
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What makes this competition unique:

A major college win

Boost your college application by showcasing your STEM skills

Expert mentorship

Benefit from a complete ecosystem: events, coaching, training, and career development

$50,000 in cash prizes

Compete for a chance to win major rewards

Real-world challenges

Tackle problems that mirror what professionals solve every day in AI and STEM

Pathway to AI careers

Access opportunities for internships and early career experience with industry partners

Led by experts with a decade of competition experience

 
Created by Correlation One, this event is organized by the same experts who’ve helped thousands of students land dream opportunities at the world’s most innovative companies – including SpaceX, Amazon, Meta, Google, Tesla, and Citadel.

Founded in 2015, Correlation One has established itself as the premier organization for identifying, developing, and connecting top data science, STEM, and AI talent with leading employers worldwide.
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150+

data science competitions successfully executed worldwide in partnership with top financial institutions and tech companies

$1.5M

in cash prizes awarded to date

50,000+

students and professionals assessed through our industry-leading technical skills assessment platform

Your step-by-step path to AI excellence

July 28

Open registration & online qualifier

September - October 2025

Take an assessment covering the following topics:

  • Python programming and data manipulation
  • Machine learning fundamentals
  • Mathematical reasoning and statistics
  • Algorithm design and computational thinking
  • Data interpretation and visualization

Nov. 1

Team challenge rounds

November - December 2025

Form teams to tackle open-ended AI and STEM challenges and engage in:

  • Industry-sponsored problem sets addressing real-world issues
  • Collaborative problem-solving with peer feedback
  • Mentorship from industry experts

Dec. 12

Grand finale event

December 2025

  • Live project demonstrations before panel of AI leaders
  • Winners announced at prestigious awards ceremony
  • Networking reception with industry professionals
  • Media coverage and recognition

Throughout the competition, you will also benefit from:

Guidance from AI and STEM researchers and engineers
Career panels with industry leaders
Professional development workshops
Prizes and recognition

Compete for a chance to win big

 

Total cash prizes up to
$50,000
Including:
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$25,000
1st place
$7,500
2nd place
$5,000
3rd place
$500
4th - 10th place
+$9,000
in additional prizes
 

Beyond cash prizes you will get:

Letters of recommendation from industry leaders for college applications

Recruitment opportunities with  participating companies for internships 

Alumni network access to previous winners and industry mentors

Media recognition in major publications and industry press

Learn from the leaders shaping AI's future

 
Our mentor network spans the entire AI ecosystem, providing participants with unprecedented access to:

Research Leaders

Principal scientists from the world’s top companies and leading AI labs

Quantitative Finance

Researchers from leading hedge funds and financial institutions

Policy & Ethics

Thought leaders working on AI safety, policy, and societal impact

Academic Excellence

Professors from MIT, Stanford, CMU, and other top computer science programs

Eligibility and how to apply

Open to American high school students with AI and STEM interests or ambitions

Who can apply:

  • Any student currently enrolled in grades 9–12 in the United States
  • Students at public, private, charter, or homeschools
  • Open to all skill levels—beginners to advanced
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  • July 28 – October 30, 2025

    • Early, general, and final applications
    • Online registration and profile creation
    • Short application outlining AI / STEM interests and career goals
    • Completion of AI aptitude assessment

  • October 31, 2025

    • Qualifier results

  • November 1–7, 2025

    • Team formation

  • November 10–29, 2025

    • Competition rounds

  • December 6, 2025

    • Grand Finale

Correlation One works with leading Fortune 500 businesses and public sector organizations

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Ready to shape the future of AI?

 
Whether you're already passionate about AI or just beginning to explore the field, the Apex AI Challenge provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop your skills, connect with industry leaders, and join a community of peers who share your ambitions.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Don't just watch the AI revolution – lead it.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

For students

No! While some programming experience is helpful, we welcome students at all levels. Our assessment is designed to identify potential and aptitude, not just current knowledge. Primarily Python, which is the industry standard for AI and data science. We provide comprehensive Python training for those new to the language. Unlike traditional science fairs that focus on research projects, we emphasize live problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world application. Plus, our industry connections provide direct career opportunities.

The competition has 3 deadlines:

  • Early application: August 30
  • General application: September 30
  • Final application: October 30
Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis after each application round. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to secure your spot. 
 
 You should expect the assessment to take approximately 30 minutes. Absolutely! Any eligible student can participate in the main competition. Yes! We encourage you to apply together with your friends and/or siblings who are in high school.
 If you're interested in spreading the word on this competition to your peers, email us for more information at info@apexaichampionship.com. 

During the qualifying round, how much you spend on the competition is up to you. The competition is done fully asynchronously, so you can work on the competition whenever you like.

We usually recommend spending at least 2 hours during the qualifying round developing creating and refining your solution.

If you qualify for the finale, it will be a full day virtual event.

 Every participant gains access to our training resources, community, and some level of mentorship. Many of our most successful alumni didn't win their first competition but used it as a launching pad for future success.

The Apex AI Challenge is organized by Correlation One in partnership with leading AI companies and research institutions.

Correlation One is an organization that is focused on identifying, training, and connecting top AI and STEM talent with leading employers around the world. Since 2015, we've hosted over 150 competitions globally for students at top universities and colleges.

For questions about the competition, email info@apexaichampionship.com

 No. The competition is entirely free to participants. 

For school administrators

Participating gives students direct exposure to real-world problem-solving, insights into various careers, mentorship opportunities, and valuable recognition for college applications. The competition enhances the school’s reputation, provides students with valuable learning experiences, and showcases the school’s commitment to innovation and career readiness. Unlike traditional science fairs that focus on research projects, we emphasize live problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world application. Plus, our industry connections provide direct career opportunities.

The Apex AI Challenge is organized by Correlation One in partnership with leading AI companies and research institutions.

Correlation One is an organization that is focused on identifying, training, and connecting top AI and STEM talent with leading employers around the world. Since 2015, we've hosted over 150 competitions globally for students at top universities and colleges.

For questions about the competition, email info@apexaichampionship.com
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