Quick look: The 2026 Student and Community Voice AI Summit will bring students, educators and community leaders together March 19 to 21 at the Anaheim Hilton to explore how artificial intelligence is utilized in education today. The event will include breakout sessions, student panels and the inaugural AI K–12 Student Agency Awards.
What does artificial intelligence in the classroom really look like from a boots-on-the-ground perspective?
That question will guide the 2026 Student and Community Voice AI Summit, scheduled for March 19 to 21 at the Anaheim Hilton.
Hosted by the Anaheim Union High School District, Inflexion, the UC Irvine School of Education and Youth Engage, the event is presented in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education and other collaborators, bringing together students and educators to explore how AI is shaping learning today.
The summit will begin with a visit to Anaheim Union’s Magnolia High campus, where attendees can observe how AI is being integrated into classroom instruction to support the development of the whole student. Participants will also have the opportunity to speak with students and teachers about their firsthand experiences using AI in coursework.
Friday’s program will feature keynote speaker Shane Safir, an education innovator and author who has worked at multiple levels of the education system. Safir focuses on helping schools transform their practices to better support the success of every student.
The day will also include breakout sessions and student panels addressing topics such as the ethics of AI, moving from vague language to actionable steps of implementation, and concerns surrounding students’ use of chatbots for social and emotional support.
This year’s summit will also introduce the inaugural AI K–12 Student Agency Awards, which will recognize 12 school districts nationwide that have proactively incorporated AI while keeping student voice at the center of decision-making.
“This recognition is not for the district with the most technology or the biggest AI budgets,” said Brian Brady of Youth Engage. “We’re seeking school districts and communities using AI strategies that genuinely foster student agency, innovation and community empowerment.”
Brady and Youth Engage have spent the past 30 years promoting civic engagement in schools across the country, with a more recent focus on ensuring that students and educators lead discussions on how AI is used in classrooms.
Registration is still available for educators, students, community leaders and others interested in learning more about artificial intelligence in education. Additional details about session topics and speakers are available on the event website.