Event Dates October 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026 Event Format Virtual / Online — Self-Paced; No Live Session IEEE WIE STAR 2026 presents “AI, Manga & Future Innovators,” a self-paced virtual STEM learning activity available from October 1 through October 31, 2026. The activity supports the 2026 IEEE WIE STAR theme: “Artificial Intelligence in Action: Shaping Young Innovators for Tomorrow.” Participants may access the online materials at any time during the event period and complete the activities at their own pace. There is no live presentation, scheduled class, or instructor-led session. Participants may explore: - An introductory What Is Artificial Intelligence? tutorial - A How to Draw Manga tutorial - Character design and facial expressions - Manga backgrounds, coloring, panels, and storyboarding - Official IEEE WIE Riko-chan Manga Stories - Creative STEM storytelling - An optional Create Your Own STEM Hero activity - An optional manga-character-inspired cosplay activity - An optional photo submission activity - An optional original manga or STEM storytelling submission October 11 — International Day of the Girl Child As part of the month-long STAR activity, October 11 will highlight the International Day of the Girl Child. Participants may optionally take part in the Riko-chan Manga & Cosplay STEM Outreach Activity by creating a Riko-chan or other manga-character-inspired look using clothing, accessories, colors, or STEM-related props. The toolkit emphasizes creativity and STEM role-modeling rather than perfect costume accuracy. Participants are encouraged to represent qualities such as curiosity, creativity, kindness, innovation, and problem-solving. The activity helps young learners—especially girls—imagine themselves as future scientists, engineers, technologists, innovators, and problem-solvers. Participation Period Opens: October 1, 2026 Closes: October 31, 2026 Participants may complete the activity at any time during this period. Submission Deadline Optional activity submissions, photos, certificate requests, and participation forms should be submitted no later than October 31, 2026, at 11:55 PM Hawaiʻi Standard Time (HST). Participants are encouraged to submit earlier when possible so there is sufficient time to review submissions and prepare certificates. Manga / STEM Story Submission Guidelines Participants who choose to create an original manga or STEM Hero story are encouraged to keep their submission short and focused. Recommended length: 1–4 pages maximum. Submissions may include: - A STEM-themed manga or comic - A STEM Hero character - A short story involving science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or artificial intelligence - Character designs or storyboards connected to the activity theme Artwork may be created digitally or by hand. Participants do not need to create four pages. A complete one-page comic, character design, or short illustrated story is welcome. The emphasis is on creativity, learning, and STEM exploration, not artistic perfection. Optional Photo and Cosplay Submissions Participants may also optionally submit photos of: - Their manga artwork - Their STEM Hero creation - Their Riko-chan or manga-character-inspired cosplay - Their participation in the STAR activity For youth participants, photos and other submissions should be provided through the designated adult, parent/guardian, teacher, or educator participation form. Certificate Information Participants may request a: - Student Participation Certificate, or - Volunteer Appreciation Certificate, if applicable. Certificate requests must be submitted through the participation form by October 31, 2026, at 11:55 PM HST. Certificates are expected to be distributed electronically within approximately two weeks after the event closes, by November 15, 2026. Certificates may be sent to the participating adult, parent/guardian, teacher, educator, or volunteer contact listed on the submission form. Please ensure that certificate information is entered correctly when submitting the form, as the information provided will be used to prepare the certificate. Participation Instructions - Access the online AI and manga tutorials. - Complete the activities at your own pace between October 1 and October 31, 2026. - Explore the official IEEE WIE Riko-chan Manga Stories. - Participate in any optional manga, STEM Hero, cosplay, or creative STEM activities. - If creating an original manga or STEM story, keep the submission to 1–4 pages maximum. - Submit optional artwork, photos, feedback, or participation information through the designated adult participation form by October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM HST. - Request a Student Participation Certificate or Volunteer Appreciation Certificate, if applicable. - Requested certificates are expected to be distributed electronically by November 15, 2026. Important Dates October 1, 2026 — Virtual activity opens October 11, 2026 — International Day of the Girl Child spotlight October 31, 2026 at 11:55 PM HST — Activity and submission deadline November 15, 2026 — Target date for electronic certificate distribution Resources AI & Manga Tutorials: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1NDJiGY_DIES6B2GCtDVdCbN1fPJGyxCg Official IEEE WIE Riko-chan Manga Stories: https://wie.ieee.org/publications/manga-story-contest/ Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/580983