Pittsburgh Students Use Google AI to Solve Real-World Challenges at Gemini Community Challenge

PITTSBURGH, PA, May 6, 2025 — Students from Clairton High School and The Neighborhood Academy brought innovative, AI-driven solutions to the stage today during the inaugural Gemini Community Challenge at Google’s Pittsburgh office in Bakery Square.

This forward-thinking program, led by the Will Allen Foundation with support from Google Pittsburgh, introduced twenty-five students to generative AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM over a seven-week after-school course. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, students applied AI technology to address pressing community needs such as food insecurity and pedestrian safety.

“The collaborative journey with Google Gemini is about igniting potential. We’re providing students with a powerful lens and tools to understand and contribute to the world, fostering innovation and creating pathways for transformative change within their lives and communities,” said Will Allen, Founder of the Will Allen Foundation and former Steeler and Division 1 All-American.

“Empowering our youth with the tools to think critically and solve real-world problems is how we build a brighter future,” added La’Tasha Mayes, Pennsylvania State Representative, “events like this by Google and the Will Allen Foundation enable kids in Pittsburgh to learn how to harness the power of AI—not just to dream big, but to take action. When young people see themselves as innovators, there's no limit to what they can achieve.”

Throughout the spring semester, the students gathered and analyzed local data, explored ethical and responsible considerations in AI, and designed practical solutions for real-world problems. Final presentations included a mobile farmers’ market plan to combat food deserts in Clairton and a smartphone app that alerts pedestrians and drivers to potential crosswalk hazards near The Neighborhood Academy.

“We are grateful to collaborate with Google on this innovative program” said Jessica Marsh, CEO of the Will Allen Foundation. “Giving students the opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge technology like Gemini AI, applying it to real-world challenges, is exactly the kind of transformative experience we strive to provide. This opportunity inspires students to see themselves as problem solvers and leaders in their communities. We believe the impact will extend beyond the classroom and into the heart of our neighborhoods.”

Students worked closely with Google volunteers and foundation staff, developing skills in data collection, AI literacy, design thinking, and public speaking. The experience not only built technical knowledge but also strengthened leadership and problem-solving abilities.

“Witnessing the ingenuity of the Clairton and Neighborhood Academy students has been inspiring,” said Mike Capsambelis, Product Management Director at Google. “The Gemini Community Challenge is about more than AI literacy – it’s about empowering the next generation of innovators and demonstrating that technology can drive equity in STEM education.”

The May 6 event featured student team presentations and a networking session with Google employees.

The Will Allen Foundation and Google Pittsburgh hope the Gemini Community Challenge will serve as a model for expanding access to AI education and promoting equity in STEM fields nationwide.

About the Will Allen Foundation:
The Will Allen Foundation is a nonprofit organization that empowers youth, fosters growth, and creates positive change in underinvested communities. Through innovative programs and partnerships, the foundation provides access to education, resources, and opportunities, enabling young individuals to realize their full potential and make a lasting impact on their communities. For more information about the Will Allen Foundation and its impactful programs, please visit www.willallenfdn.org.