CAST Center of Excellence (CoE)

A CAST Center of Excellence is the highest honor any CAST group can achieve. Awarded annually to only one Chapter per region, Centers of Excellence represent the strongest, most active, most impactful youth-led teams in the CAST network. These chapters set the standard for excellence, innovation, and community service.

A Center of Excellence is more than a title—it is a national platform.

CoE recognition is awarded based on:

• Exceptional leadership
   
• Consistent community programming
   
• Strong Navigator involvement
   
• High-quality reporting and documentation
   
• Collaboration with local institutions
   
• Impact on seniors, families, schools, and libraries
   
• Positive engagement with regional leadership
   

CoEs demonstrate excellence in everything they do.

CoEs gain:

• National recognition on ARI’s website and platforms
   
• CoE-branded workshop materials
   
• Priority placement in Innovation Lab pilot programs
   
• Access to exclusive leadership training
   
• A dedicated regional mentor
   
• Annual CoE Award Seal for all communications
   
• Opportunities to present at national events
   
• Early access to new CAST curriculum
   

In future years, CoEs may receive paid or stipend-supported staff roles as they become regional youth hubs for CAST.

CoEs serve as regional anchors for the CAST ecosystem by:

• Mentoring Affiliates and Chapters
   
• Hosting regional CAST events
   
• Piloting new Innovation Lab tools
   
• Leading Navigator training cohorts
   
• Supporting AIRAIP institutions with youth-led programming
   
• Representing CAST at regional and national events
   

They are the youth-driven engines of AI readiness in their region.

CoEs are selected every year through a structured review:

Chapters submit annual reports.

Regional leadership evaluates all chapters.

CoEs are officially awarded for the academic year.

CoE status lasts one school year and can be renewed.

Your chapter has the potential to rise to the top—and to lead the youth AI readiness movement across your entire region.

See CoE requirements and apply →