GWC Challenges
Take the AI + Cybersecurity Challenge
AI can now copy anyone's voice, face, or artwork in seconds, making it hard to tell what's real. But here's the twist: the same AI creating these threats can help protect you and your community. This year, we challenge you to explore how people can use AI to protect their identities and creativity online in our Cybersecurity + AI Challenge!
What are GWC Challenges?
GWC Challenges are annual community competitions in which participants can build a project addressing a real-world problem and win prizes.
- The deadline to submit is February 11, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET. Winners will be announced in April.
- Anyone based in the US between the ages of 13-26 is eligible to participate. You don’t need to be a current program participant or alumni to win!
- This year, participants have access to exclusive resources from IBM SkillsBuild!
2025-26 Theme: AI + Cybersecurity
We challenge you to build a project that explores how people can use AI to protect their identities and creativity online.
Learn More
PRIZES
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Three winning projects: A $300 gift card and swag for each team member (up to four people) plus a project spotlight on GWC's social media channels. For participants who are in Grades 6-8.
HIGH SCHOOL
Four winning projects: A $400 gift card and swag for each team member (up to four people) plus a project spotlight on GWC's social media channels. For participants who are in Grades 9-12.
COLLEGE-AGED
Four winning projects: A $500 gift card and swag for each team member (up to four people) plus a project spotlight on GWC's social media channels. For participants who are post high school, 18-26 years old.
GET STARTED
Kickstart your project with our essential resources! The Participant Guide helps you plan and organize your ideas. Want to bring the GWC Challenge to your learning space? The Educator Guide is for you! We have a Family Guide that caregivers can use to support participants on their journey. All of them include brainstorming tips, resources, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines.
PARTICIPANT GUIDE
EDUCATOR GUIDE
FAMILY GUIDE
READY, SET, SUBMIT!
Once your project is ready to go, review the Submission Checklist in the Participant Guide above, then click on the Submit to the GWC Challenge link to complete the form.
Submit to the GWC Challenge
OUR PARTNER SPONSORS
Thanks to our Partner sponsors for supporting this GWC Challenge:
