Colorado Teacher Wins National AI Award for Student Program

While most teachers worry about students using artificial intelligence to cheat, Ciara Stastny is teaching them how to make it work for their education. The Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins teacher just won a state championship in the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge for her project "Leveraging AI for Instructional Efficiency and Deeper Learning."

Stastny doesn't ban AI in her business classes. Instead, she shows students how to use Google's Notebook LM platform to deepen their understanding of college-level material. Her students access the tool free through their concurrent enrollment at Aims Community College, earning college credit while still in high school.

Sophomore Lyla Hirsch says the platform transforms dense college textbooks into digestible content. "It helps me retain that information," she told reporters. "And there's a podcast you can listen to while you're cleaning." The AI creates videos, flashcards, study guides, and chat features tailored to reinforce what Stastny teaches in person.

Junior Jordan Maes appreciates learning a skill he knows he'll need after graduation. "Learning how to formulate your questions to get the right answers is critical," he said, whether talking to people or AI bots.

But Stastny's students are clear about one thing. "The human interaction is a big piece," Maes said. "I don't think AI will ever wholly replace it." They still learn more directly from their teacher than from any platform.

The approach addresses a real gap in education. A recent Colorado Department of Education survey found that 66% of teachers use AI tools, but only 34% feel prepared for AI integration in classrooms.

The Ripple Effect

Stastny maintains complete control over the content students access through the platform. She uploads textbook chapters, assignments, and vetted sources herself. This means students get accurate information aligned with their coursework, not random internet answers. "Depending on somebody's learning style or preference, they can watch a video, listen to a podcast, or look at a mind map," she explained.

The Presidential AI Challenge was created through a 2025 executive order to foster AI expertise in young people. Stastny's win shows how preparing students for a technology-driven future doesn't mean replacing teachers. It means equipping both educators and students with tools that enhance real learning.

Her students are already seeing the difference. They're not just passing tests. They're understanding complex legal concepts, developing critical thinking skills, and learning how to work alongside technology they'll encounter throughout their careers.