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Learn AI. Stand out in college applications. Win prizes.

Join the Apex High School Championship — a free national program where students learn AI, compete, and win $50K+ in scholarships and prizes. No cost. No experience required.

November 30, 2025 -  General application deadline
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.

We work with the best universities in the U.S.

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Competition highlights

The first AI competition built for high school students in the U.S.

 
Unlike typical science and math fairs, the Apex America Initiative: High School AI Championship puts you in the driver’s seat to apply your skills, solve fun STEM and AI challenges, and stand out among your peers.
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What makes this competition unique:

Learn AI

Build real AI skills through interactive training.

Boost college applications

Earn a certificate recognized by top universities.

Win prizes and scholarships

Win your share of $50K+ in scholarships and awesome prizes like AirPods, MacBooks, Nike gear, and more.

Get expert mentorship

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

Your step-by-step path to AI excellence

Feb. 1

Registration & online skills assessment

September 2025 - February 2026

Take an assessment covering the following topics:

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

Mar. 1

Open challenge round

March - April 2026

Form a team of 2–3 students and take on open-ended AI and STEM challenges through our virtual platform. You'll engage in:

  • Using AI to solve fun challenges through interactive experiences
  • Collaborating with like-minded peers to solve problems in a friendly, competitive environment
  • Receiving mentorship from industry experts

Apr. 1

Grand finale

April 2026

  • Finalists participate in a one-day problem-solving blitz
  • Winners receive scholarships, with $25,000 awarded to first place
  • All attendees get to network with competition sponsors and industry professionals

Throughout the competition, you will also benefit from:

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

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

Scholarships and recognition

Compete for a chance to win big

 

Total scholarships of
$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 scholarship awards and prizes
 

Beyond scholarships and 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 high school students in the U.S. with AI and STEM interests or ambitions

Who can apply:

  • Students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 in the U.S. who are at least 14 years old
  • Includes public, private, charter, or homeschool students
  • Open to all skill levels—beginners to advanced
  • If you are under the age of 18, you will need permission from your Parent or Legal Guardian to apply and participate
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  • August 2025 – February 2026

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

  • February 2026

    • Qualifier results

  • February 2026

    • Team formation

  • March – April, 2026

    • Open challenge round

  • April 2026

    • 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 — with the opportunity to earn scholarships and exciting prizes along the way.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

 

During the competition, you can expect to: 

  • Test your algorithm in battle against a series of AI "bosses".
  • Watch your algorithm rise or fall in the live leaderboard as it goes head-to-head with others in matches.
  • Reach the qualifier deadline, after which the top 10 teams on the leaderboard earn an invitation to the grand finale and a chance to win top prizes.
  • See top matches get broadcast with live commentary. The Prize Wheel adds an element of surprise — anyone can walk away with a reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

For students

Do I need prior AI or programming experience to participate?

No! While some programming experience is helpful, we welcome students at all levels. We’ll provide guidance on programming and using AI tools to students new to these topics so students from all experience levels can participate.

 What programming languages and AI tools will I need to use for the competition? Our competition platform supports both Python, Rust, and Java, and all AI tools will be permitted. We’ll provide guidance on programming and using AI tools to students new to these topics so students from all experience levels can participate. How is this different from other science and math fairs? Unlike traditional science and math competitions, we emphasize live problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world application. Plus, our industry connections provide direct career opportunities. What is the application deadline?

The competition has 3 deadlines:

  • Early application: August, 2025
  • General application: November, 2025
  • Final application:  February, 2026

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.

 
 How long will the assessment take? The assessment is 20 questions long and you will have 45 minutes to complete it. The assessment will help us understand your current level of experience in several core STEM topics.  Can I participate if my school doesn't have an AI Club? Absolutely! Any eligible student can participate in the main competition. Who is eligible to participate?

The competition is open to all high school students in the U.S.. There are no educational prerequisites, all levels of experience are welcome to apply.

You must be at least 14 years of age to apply. If you are under the age of 18, you will need permission from your Parent or Legal Guardian to apply and participate.

 What are the age requirements? You must be at least 14 years of age to apply and participate. Do I need parental permission to apply? If you are under the age of 18, you will need your Parent or Legal Guardian to complete a portion of this form in order for you to legally complete the application and participate in this competition. Can I sign up with a sibling and/or friend? Yes! We encourage you to apply together with your friends and/or siblings who are in high school.
 How do I become a competition ambassador? If you're interested in spreading the word on this competition to your peers, email us for more information at info@apex-america.ai.  How many hours per week will I need to dedicate to the competition?

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.

 What if I don't make it to the finals? 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. Who is this competition organized by?

The Apex America Initiative 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@apex-america.ai

 Are there any costs associated to joining the competition? No. The competition is entirely free to participants.  Where does the competition take place? The Apex America Initiative Championship is conducted online on Correlation One’s platform, making it accessible to high school students nationwide. During the Open Challenge Round, you will be able to work on the competition at your own pace in your free time.

For school administrators and faculty

How will this competition help my students? Participating gives students direct exposure to real-world problem-solving, insights into various careers, mentorship opportunities, and valuable recognition for college applications. How will this competition help my school? The competition enhances the school’s reputation, provides students with valuable learning experiences, and showcases the school’s commitment to innovation and career readiness. How is this different from other science or math fairs? Unlike traditional high school math and science competitions, we emphasize live problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world application. Plus, our industry connections provide direct career opportunities. Who is this competition organized by?

The Apex America Initiative 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@apex-america.ai
AI squad, assemble!
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