University of Phoenix Recognizes Student Innovation in Inaugural AI Innovation Showcase

Competition attracted 296 submissions from students across all University colleges and degree levels

PHOENIX, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix hosted its inaugural AI Innovation Showcase, recognizing student innovation and ethical artificial intelligence thinking through a competition that attracted 296 student submissions. Entries were submitted by students across all University colleges and degree levels, reflecting the breadth of academic disciplines and perspectives represented throughout the University community. Centered on the theme, "Ethical AI for Impact," the showcase invited students to present original concepts demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be applied responsibly to address real-world challenges and opportunities.

The showcase provided a platform for students to explore AI applications across a range of disciplines and industries, including healthcare, business, education, sustainability and community impact. Participants submitted proposals outlining how AI could be used to solve problems, improve processes or create meaningful benefits for individuals, organizations and society while addressing responsible implementation and potential risks.

"The AI Innovation Showcase highlights how our students are engaging with one of today's most transformative technologies in thoughtful ways," said John Woods, PhD, chief academic officer and provost at University of Phoenix. "The creativity demonstrated through these submissions reflects a commitment to addressing real-world challenges while thoughtfully considering how AI affects individuals and communities. We are proud to recognize students who are exploring innovative approaches to using AI for positive impact."

Showcase Highlights Student Innovation and Responsible AI Applications

Student submissions were evaluated by a panel of judges based on creativity, ethical considerations, potential impact, feasibility and quality of presentation. Participants whose submissions met showcase criteria earned digital badges in recognition of their work.

Unlike traditional technical competitions, the showcase focused on conceptual innovation rather than software development or working prototypes. Students were encouraged to clearly articulate a challenge, propose an AI-enabled solution, identify intended beneficiaries and address ethical considerations and anticipated outcomes.

Winners Recognized for Ethical AI Concepts

University of Phoenix recognized the following students for their submissions:

First Place: Grant Borgwardt

Winning Concept: A Bridge, Not a Replacement: A Three-Tier Ethical AI Framework for Youth Mental Health Support

Project Description: Borgwardt's concept proposes an ethical AI framework designed to support youth mental health by helping connect individuals to qualified care through early identification, responsible triage, crisis handoffs and follow-up support. The framework emphasizes human oversight, privacy protections and clearly defined safety boundaries to ensure AI serves as a bridge to professional care rather than a replacement for it.

Second Place: Sharon Tulloch

Winning Concept: My Voice, My Way: An AI-Powered Home Routine & Communication Companion for Non-Speaking and Limited-Speaking Children

Project Description: Tulloch's concept uses AI to support communication and daily routines for non-speaking and limited-speaking children and their families. Designed with caregiver controls and ethical safeguards, the solution aims to promote communication, independence and family support while complementing professional care.

Third Place: Falesha Roberts

Winning Concept: INVERSE: Predicting System Failure Before Human Crisis: An Ethical Public-Service Intelligence Framework for Last Mile Accountability

Project Description: Roberts' concept focuses on using AI to identify gaps and breakdowns within public-service systems rather than predict individual behavior. The framework emphasizes accountability, verified outcomes, participant input and human-centered oversight to enable organizations to strengthen services and improve support pathways for the communities they serve.

Grant Borgwardt, a University of Phoenix computer science student whose presentation earned first-place honors, reflected on the importance of the topic and the recognition. "Among the many risks posed by AI technologies, its effects on our mental health cannot be understated," he said. "I believe that technology should be a net benefit for humanity, and we have a responsibility to see that AI is part of the solution, not the problem."

Honorable Mentions

The following University of Phoenix students were recognized with honorable mention distinctions:

• Brittany Beauregard
• Christa Broyles
• Victoria Hull
• Jasmine Lomas
• Walterina Martinez
• Sasha Stepans
• Wendy Williams-Clark

Supporting AI Literacy and Future-Ready Skills

The AI Innovation Showcase reflects University of Phoenix's commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving technology landscape through AI literacy, ethical decision-making and innovative problem-solving. Through opportunities that encourage responsible exploration of emerging technologies, the University aims to help learners develop the knowledge and capabilities needed to navigate the future of work and contribute to positive societal outcomes.

A recording of the showcase is available on the University of Phoenix YouTube page here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life^® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix