Volunteer to help at an Hour of AI event
The Hour of AI is a global campaign designed to spark curiosity and build a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence.
As a volunteer, you’re part of a worldwide effort to make AI literacy accessible for all — helping others explore what AI is, how it works, and why it matters.
Why volunteer?
This guide walks you through how to prepare, connect with schools or community partners, and make the most of your Hour of AI experience — no expertise required.
Fits in a single class period or a lunch break.
No AI or coding experience is required to start.
Activities are available for any devices — or none at all.
Kindergarten to the C-suite, and everyone in between.
Five steps to volunteer at an Hour of AI event
From first sign-up to final high five, here’s everything you need to help. No experience required — just curiosity.
Find a school or organization
Start by connecting with a classroom, school, or community group that’s participating in the Hour of AI. Many teachers welcome volunteers to help run activities, answer questions, or simply encourage students.
Ways to get started:
- Reach out to local schools or districts to see if they’re hosting an Hour of AI event.
- Email principals, teachers, or tech coordinators to ask if they need volunteers.
- Connect with community groups like Boys and Girls Clubs, Scouts, or Junior Achievement.
(Optional) Sign up
If you’re helping lead an event — even alongside a teacher or community partner — be sure to register. Registration helps us track global participation, gives your event visibility, and unlocks access to exclusive resources.
Prepare for your role
You don’t need to be an expert to volunteer, but a little preparation goes a long way. Take time to understand the activities and coordinate with the teacher or organizer in advance.
Here are a few ways to prepare:
- Try an activity yourself to get familiar with what students will experience.
- Review a sample teacher guide to see how a lesson is structured.
- Talk with the teacher ahead of time to clarify your role. You may: Share your story (why this matters to you, what your job involves, or how it connects to AI/tech).
- Circulate the room to support students — no formal presentation required.
Confirm logistics
Check in with the teacher or organizer before the event to review expectations and smooth out details. This ensures the event runs seamlessly.
If volunteering in person:
- Review school health and safety guidelines.
- Arrive early to check in, greet the teacher, confirm the schedule, and align on talking points.
If volunteering virtually:
- Schedule a quick call to meet the teacher, test the platform, and confirm your role.
Keep going
Your support helps make the Hour of AI an unforgettable experience. Take time to celebrate with students, peers, and your community. Recognize their efforts, and share the impact more broadly.
Ideas for celebration:
- Encourage students and teachers during the event.
- Celebrate with certificates, stickers, or shout-outs.
- Share your experience on social media with #HourOfAI and tag @CodeAI
Respect privacy: always get teacher/parent permission before posting any images of students.
Frequently asked questions
No! The Hour of AI is for everyone. You can even try adult-focused activities in the catalog to build your own confidence.
Point them to Beyond an Hour of AI resources for year-round classroom integration.
No problem. The Hour of AI activities include unplugged activities that don’t require devices.
Check out the How-to Guide and take the lead in bringing AI learning to your community.
Run it as a whole-class activity or in stations. Pair students so they talk through what the AI is doing and why.
Share the catalog with every teacher, librarian, and instructional coach. Pick one day for a school-wide Hour of AI.
Host a session for employees, customers, or your community — in person or virtually. The catalog includes activities for adults, too.
The Hour of AI happens around the world. Many activities are available in multiple languages, and every one works in any time zone.
From the Hour of Code to the Hour of AI
For more than a decade, the Hour of Code introduced millions of learners around the world to computer science. The Hour of AI carries that spirit forward.
Anyone can learn it
The Hour of Code showed that anyone can learn computer science. The Hour of AI shows that anyone can learn how AI works.
From using to understanding
The Hour of Code made coding approachable. The Hour of AI helps learners go from using AI to understanding it — and questioning it.
A global community
The Hour of Code built a worldwide movement. The Hour of AI builds on that momentum, for students and adults alike.
Everything you need
Grab the tools, find the right activity, and get your questions answered.
Hour of AI resources
Find all the resources you need — print and digital — to bring attention to your Hour of AI event.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about planning, activities, and what you need to get started.
Sign up for the Hour of AI
Get reminders, new activities, and tips straight to your inbox. We’ll let you know the moment new activities launch on November 16.
Sign up for the Hour of AI
Get reminders, new activities, and tips straight to your inbox. We’ll let you know the moment new activities launch on November 16.
Ready-to-teach activities for every grade, from hundreds of organizations.
First look at new activities launching November 16.
Free webinars and a classroom toolkit.