2026 Mesh Awards
Learning Program Categories
The Mesh Awards recognize programs across K–12, Higher Education, and Professional Development that prepare people to thrive in an AI-transformed world.
Categories are intentionally broad and human-centered, focusing on real outcomes rather than specific technologies – reflecting the principle of humans and intelligent systems working together.
Human / AI Readiness
Preparing people to confidently and responsibly work with AI
This category recognizes programs that build AI literacy, practical capability, and informed judgment so individuals can engage with intelligent systems effectively and responsibly.
The strongest programs will go beyond tool training to help participants develop:
- Confidence using AI in real contexts
- Critical thinking about AI outputs
- Ethical awareness and responsible use
- Adaptability as tools evolve
This category applies across:
K–12
- AI literacy curriculum
- Student AI projects
- Responsible AI education
Higher Education
- AI-integrated coursework
- Cross-disciplinary AI programs
- AI fluency initiatives
Professional Development
- Workforce AI readiness
- Employee AI adoption programs
- Leadership AI capability development
Key question for judges:
Did this program help people become capable and thoughtful participants in an AI-enabled world?
Human Skills for the AI Era
Strengthening the uniquely human capabilities that AI cannot replace
This category honors programs that cultivate the durable human capabilities that become more valuable as AI advances.
These include:
- Creativity and innovation
- Collaboration and communication
- Ethical reasoning
- Systems thinking
- Problem framing
- Emotional intelligence
Rather than competing with AI, these programs help participants amplify their human advantage.
Examples include:
K–12
- Project-based learning programs
- Creativity and design programs
- Collaborative problem-solving initiatives
Higher Education
- Interdisciplinary learning models
- Innovation studios
- Experiential learning programs
Professional Development
- Leadership development
- Complex problem-solving training
- Cross-functional innovation programs
Key question for judges:
Did this program strengthen the capabilities that make humans uniquely valuable in an AI-driven world?
Human Opportunity & Access
Expanding who benefits from the AI transition
The AI transition will reshape opportunity. This category recognizes programs that ensure more people – not fewer – benefit from it.
Winning programs help expand access to:
- New skills
- New career pathways
- Digital participation
- Economic mobility
They may focus on underserved communities, frontline workers, rural learners, or individuals transitioning between careers.
Examples include:
K–12
- Equitable access to AI education
- Programs for underserved students
- Rural or low-resource school initiatives
Higher Education
- Accessible reskilling pathways
- Inclusive STEM initiatives
- Career transition programs
Professional Development
- Frontline workforce upskilling
- Community workforce programs
- Mid-career reskilling initiatives
Key question for judges:
Did this program expand opportunity in the AI transition rather than concentrating it?
The Award process
Key Dates and Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are evaluated using three broad criteria designed to highlight programs that genuinely prepare people to thrive alongside AI. The goal is to highlight programs that work in practice and offer lessons for others.
Award Criteria
Human Impact
Did the program meaningfully improve outcomes for participants?
Innovation & Program Design
Does the program demonstrate a thoughtful and effective approach?
Scalability & Broader Value
Can others learn from or replicate this model?
Key Dates
Applications Open:
April 2026
Submission Deadline:
September 2026
Finalists Announced:
October 2026
Winners Announced:
December 2026
Why Participate?
Getting Involved in the Mesh Awards provides:
A chance to help shape how humans and AI work together in the future.
Recognition for innovative education and workforce programs
The opportunity to share ideas with a global community
Award Submission Process
All Mesh Awards submissions are made through a short, three-minute video.
The best submissions clearly tell a simple story: the challenge you identified, the program you implemented, and the impact it had on people.
Focus on real examples and outcomes, speak naturally rather than reading a script, and keep the message concise. Professional production is not required – a smartphone video in a quiet, well-lit space works perfectly well.
Each qualifying submission video will be uploaded and broadcast on the Insight Jam YouTube channel, which reaches over 1 million subscribers.
This means your program will gain visibility with educators, executives, and workforce leaders around the world, regardless of whether it wins an award.
Put your brand into the program
Become a Sponsor
The Mesh Awards spotlight programs shaping how people learn and work alongside AI. We are inviting a limited number of sponsors to support this initiative and help amplify real-world models of human-centered innovation in education and workforce development.
Sponsors receive visibility across the awards program, including the Insight Jam YouTube channel (1M+ subscribers), event communications, and the broader Insight Jam community.
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Dr. Michelle Ament
Co-President, the Human Intelligence Movement
The Future of Work and learning
What Educators Have to Say about the Mesh Awards
These awards recognize the educators and institutions developing new ways to prepare children and adults for an AI-enabled world. By sharing real programs and classroom innovations, the awards help surface practical ideas that others can learn from and build upon.
Participating gives educators the opportunity to highlight their work, gain visibility, and contribute to a growing community focused on helping students develop the skills, confidence, and judgment needed to thrive alongside AI.
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Bart Banfield
B2 Educational Consulting, Former School Superintendent
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GEORGE SMITH
Client, Consultant
AboUT US
The Mesh Awards are hosted by Solutions Review and Insight Jam
Solutions Review is a leading online publication covering enterprise technology and workforce transformation and Insight Jam, a platform exploring the human side of artificial intelligence. Together we help surface the real-world programs preparing people to thrive alongside AI.
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