Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education faces challenges in maintaining student engagement, reducing gender disparities, and fostering inclusive learning experiences. At the same time, the growing enthusiasm for Generative Artificial Intelligence among young learners presents an opportunity to address these issues by integrating AI literacy into K-12 curricula. We propose the Citizen Learning Journey for AI project, aimed at equipping students with essential digital literacy and AI competencies while promoting AI’s responsible and ethical use in their future careers and daily lives. The project leverages GenAI using UNESCO’s seven roles to motivate students in STEM subjects, integrating the UNESCO Competency Framework for Students and employing Educational Design Research. It adapts the Heroine’s Learning Journey (HLJ) model to create a dynamic, narrative-driven approach that enhances student engagement. Athena, an AI Virtual Assistant, built, is at the initiative’s core. Athena incorporates key elements—Challenge, Mission, Story, and Aid—that are aligned with HLJ stages. These elements support competency development across four domains: Human-Centered Mindset, Ethics of AI, AI Techniques and Applications, and AI System Design. The project provides educational materials reinforcing learning, including interactive tutorials, stage videos, quizzes, and multimedia resources emphasizing AI’s social and ethical dimensions. The project aligns with the values of the European Union and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, advancing sustainable development through an educational approach integrating AI, equity, and inclusion.