A new essay contest titled Shaping Utah AI Future has been announced for Utah students in grades 10 through 12, according to a September 17 report. The contest is sponsored by a consortium consisting of the Senate, Sutherland Institute, USBE, and UAPCS.
Students are invited to submit essays of 1,000 to 1,500 words by October 1. The top three essays will receive prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250. The contest is open to students in public schools, charter schools, private schools, microschools, and homeschool programs.
Participants are asked to propose actionable policies regarding artificial intelligence in schools. Topics include deciding when AI is used in classrooms, student data protections, and the level of discretion held by state or local officials. The project aims to give students a chance to share their perspectives as policymakers consider how AI should be used in educational settings.
One student from each of Utah's 29 Senate districts will be selected to participate in the Utah Student AI Policy Congress. This event is scheduled to take place at the State Capitol on November 2021.
During the congress, delegates will follow a legislative-style process modeled on the Utah Senate. They will debate AI policy proposals and vote on a Utah Student AI Policy Resolution to be presented to state policymakers. Winners and district delegates are scheduled to be announced on October 15.
The Utah Student AI Policy Congress will feature a legislative-style process where students debate on the Senate floor and caucus. The resulting resolution will serve as a statement of student perspectives on AI in Utah schools.
