About Virtual Emoti-Con

NYC’s Premier AI, Tech & Design Showcase for Students

Mouse provides high-quality, human-centered learning in generative AI, computational thinking, design thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset that leads to tech fluency and readiness for high school pathways. The goal is to produce AI-fluent young people who can create, evaluate, and think critically about the technology shaping their world.

The Mouse Virtual Expo is a year-round, accessible online showcase of student projects from our AI League and Introduction to AI League programs, where students build working app prototypes and products that apply UI/UX design, applied AI, and computer science to solve real problems in their communities. Emoti-Con is our flagship annual in-person celebration where top school teams present to and demo their app prototype projects in semi-final and final round competitions. In both the Virtual Expo and Emoti-Con, volunteers from top tech and design organizations offer feedback and career inspiration to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce.

Together, the Virtual Expo and Emoti-Con elevate diverse student perspectives and increase sustained visibility for student innovation.

Mouse’s Introduction to AI League is an 11‑week, project‑based learning program that empowers grades 8-10 students to move beyond simply using technology to become informed, responsible, and active contributors in an AI-infused world. With up to 25-hours of hands-on learning designed in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, students learn to engage with AI as a creative and problem-solving partner, building essential skills in AI literacy, critical thinking, and applied technology.

Highlights include:

• Students gain foundational AI concepts, design-with‑purpose skills, and a portfolio project with public presentation experience.
• Teachers receive a turnkey AI Literacy and Computing Education curriculum with facilitation guide, access to Mouse Create, a program orientation, optional skill workshops, and direct support from Mouse senior program managers.
• Schools get an equity‑centered STEM offering, operational support from Mouse, and visibility via our citywide Virtual Expo.

Our flagship, year-long, career-connected student learning experience and citywide competition for NYC students that empowers them to be problem solvers and leaders in a tech-driven world. Students learn and apply UI/UX design, Generative AI, and Computer Science to build working prototypes and products that improve life across NYC. 

Highlights include:

• A product-development hook with students working towards competing in the citywide 2026 Emoti-Con Competition.
• Connections to the real world with hackathons, special events, and trips to tech companies.
• Tech industry mentors support in-class learning, product dev and pitches, and career exposure.
• On ramps to career-ready programs and special opportunities in NYC.

Celebrating Student Innovation Across NYC

• Over 6,000 students have participated since 2023
• Project topics include community advocacy, education, health & wellness, sustainability, and more
• In 2025, 125+ tech professionals volunteered to support Mouse students
• Supported by industry leaders including Amazon, Google, RBC, and NYC Public Schools

Empowering Students to Shape the Future of Tech

Young people are the future of technology, and Mouse programs help them see themselves as its leaders and innovators. At a time when Generative AI and tech are transforming every part of our lives, AI League and Introduction to AI League equip students to be creators, not just consumers, of that future. By blending digital skills with empathy and critical thinking, students build tech solutions that are inclusive, ethical, and impactful.

With the right tools, mentorship, and platform, students realize they can use technology not just to build - but to change the world.

“Getting real feedback from professionals during Emoti-Con made me realize that maybe this was more than just a school project—something I could actually pursue.”

— Mickell, former Emoti-Con participant, now a game designer & volunteer

Mouse programs are supported through a mix of public investment, corporate partnership, and philanthropy. Supported by partners including Amazon, RBC Capital Markets, The Pinkerton Foundation, People Inc., Gotham Gives, The Altman Foundation, ConEdison, FTV Capital, the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, FutureReadyNYC, NYC Public Schools, and Newark Public Schools. 

There are multiple ways to support student innovation and career exploration with Mouse:

Educators
Bring AI League to your school and give students a hands-on way to build and showcase projects that solve real problems in their communities. Click here to learn more.

Partners
Fuel the next generation of tech leaders. Your support expands hands-on learning, real-world mentorship, and public showcases that spotlight what students can build. Click here to contact.

Volunteers
Sign up to volunteer with Mouse and we’ll follow up when new opportunities open.

To contact us, email info@mouse.org or follow us on social media.

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