Two 5th-grade students from Harmony Public Schools-Central Texas are part of a team recognized as Texas State Champions in the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge, earning a spot in the upcoming regional competition. 

Reeva K. of Harmony Science Academy-Cedar Park and Lucas T. of Harmony Science Academy-Leander, along with a third team member from another school district, earned first place in the Track II Elementary division. The team was selected from more than 2,500 submissions nationwide.

The students developed KidzShield, an artificial intelligence-powered application designed to help families monitor and respond to online safety risks in real time. The tool uses computer vision and natural language processing to detect harmful content across apps and devices, then alerts parents with context and screenshots when concerns arise.

The idea grew from a question the students saw affecting their peers daily: how to stay safe online when much of children’s lives now happen on screens.

“Children’s mental health is directly affected by what they experience online,” the team said in a joint statement. “KidzShield exists to catch the threats kids are too afraid or too embarrassed to report before the damage is done.”

Unlike traditional parental control tools that rely on keyword filters or operate within individual apps, KidzShield monitors all applications simultaneously and analyzes content in context. The system is designed to provide early warnings to families without storing browsing data, keeping parents in control of how the tool is used.

The team was mentored by Pradeep Kagitapu, who supported students in system design and in integrating artificial intelligence while allowing them to lead the development and presentation of their solution.

The Presidential AI Challenge is a national competition that encourages students to develop innovative AI-driven solutions to real-world issues. Projects are evaluated on technical strength, creativity and ethical design.

With their advancement to the regional stage, the students now represent Texas among a select group of young innovators from across the country.

For these students, the work is personal.

“We are kids. We know what it feels like to see something online that scares you and not know who to tell,” the team said. “We built KidzShield because kids deserve to feel safe on every screen.”

Harmony Public Schools-Central Texas blends the highest standards and expectations with a rigorous, math- and science-centered STEM curriculum and dedicated, engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life. At Harmony Public Schools-Central Texas, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. There are nine campuses in the Austin Metroplex: Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, and Pflugerville. We have open enrollment for students and career openings for school professionals.