Austin Area Youth To Co-Design AI Solutions With Veterans And First Responders For 9/11 Day Of Service

In Observance of the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, HC4A Awarded Federal AmeriCorps Grant via 9/11 Day to Mobilize 500+ Students, Distribute 150 Laptops to Veteran Families, and Advance Digital Inclusion in Central Texas

Staff Reporter, July 21, 2026 — Marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, HC4A today announced it has been awarded a federal AmeriCorps Youth Engagement Grant by the national non-profit 9/11 Day to host the Youth-Led Civic Tech Mobilization & “AI with All” Hackathon for 9/11 Day.

The overarching movement spearheaded by 9/11 Day aims to “take back the day”—transforming one of the nation’s deepest tragedies into the country’s largest day of service and doing good.

Taking place across regional sites in the weeks following the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, HC4A’s multi-city initiative will unite more than 500 Central Texas middle and high school students (grades 8–12), Junior ROTC cadets, local first responders, and military veterans.

Together, intergenerational teams will leverage accessible artificial intelligence tools to address pressing community safety and resilience challenges while prepping and distributing 150 turn-key laptop kits to low-income veteran families.

Bridging the Digital Divide Through “AI with All”

Designed as a vibrant, community-first “tech festival,” the 100% free event requires no prior coding or technical experience. Grounded in National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) standards and supported by municipal partnerships with the City of Austin—an officially recognized NDIA Digital Inclusion Trailblazer—HC4A’s “AI with All” hackathon redefines technology as a shared public utility.

“As we commemorate 25 years since September 11, our mission is to take back the day by replacing grief with action, unity, and hope,” said Gulshan Singh, Vice President of Programs at HC4A. ‘

“Through our ‘AI with All’ model, we are removing financial and technical barriers so every student—regardless of background—can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our local heroes, co-creating meaningful tools for social good while honoring those who served on September 11.”

Building on a Proven Track Record in AI Literacy and Educational Equity

This initiative builds upon HC4A’s established history of driving transformative AI literacy and digital agency across Central Texas. HC4A has repeatedly demonstrated the impact of transition-level tech education through dedicated programs at Early College High Schools (ECHS), including Manor High School, Killeen ECHS, and Fort Cavazos ECHS.

Furthermore, HC4A recently completed its high-impact summer program, the Upward Bound AI & Career Lab, in collaboration with Austin Community College (ACC). HC4A’s hybridized curriculum helped first-generation and Title I scholars transition from passive technology consumers to active, ethical architects of AI solutions, designing functional mobile app prototypes for social good.

Co-Designing with First Responders & Veterans

Moving away from theoretical concepts, student teams at the upcoming mobilization will operate within a strict “Design With, Not For” framework. Off-duty first responders, trauma nurses, disaster response leaders, and military veterans will serve as active, embedded team co-designers across six dedicated impact pods: First Responder Support, Disaster Readiness & Resilience, Health & Caregiving Access, Crisis Communication, Neighbor Care & Mutual Aid, and Veteran & Family Support. Each mobilization day smoothly integrates civic reflection, collaborative problem-solving, and direct public benefit into a single impactful narrative.

Participants begin with a solemn remembrance tribute honoring 9/11 first responders and service members before transitioning directly into hands-on co-design sprints alongside expert pod mentors to construct functional AI prototypes.

The experience culminates in a public showcase of student-built solutions, paired immediately with a hands-on Service Hour where youth volunteers customize, pack, and hand-deliver 150 refurbished laptops directly to local veteran families alongside personalized digital literacy coaching.

Call to Action: Take Back the Day

To make this the largest and most impactful day of service in Central Texas history, HC4A invites all community members, educators, students, first responders, and tech professionals to fully participate in this nationwide movement. Whether by assembling a student team, serving as an intergenerational mentor, or supporting as a sponsor, every individual contribution helps turn a day of tragedy into a enduring legacy of community strength.

To participate and support in any way, like sign up a student team (3–5 students), volunteer as a mentor, sponsor, or register for the planning kickoff, write to hackathon@hc4a.org.

About HC4A

Founded on the principle of “Service to Humanity is Service to God,” HC4A is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bridging income and educational divides in local communities.

Through vocational scholarships, school supply drives, and its active Digital Inclusion program, HC4A empowers under-resourced youth and families across Central Texas regardless of race, religion, or background.

About 9/11 Day & AmeriCorps Acknowledgment

This project is supported by federal funds awarded through 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps. 9/11 Day is the 501(c)(3) non-profit that created and annually leads the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, formally established by Congress and the President under federal law in 2009. AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country and communities through national service programs.