10 AI Programs for Middle School Students
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, middle school students with a spark of curiosity are not left behind. The realm of Artificial Intelligence, once considered the domain of higher education and industry professionals, has opened its doors to the younger generation. As we usher in a new era of innovation and discovery, middle school students now have access to an array of exceptional AI programs tailored just for them.
In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the top 10 AI programs designed specifically for middle school students. These programs offer an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating world of artificial intelligence, irrespective of your previous experience. From virtual bootcamps to hands-on workshops and self-paced courses, the possibilities are boundless. Let's discover these programs and the unique experiences they provide to young minds eager to dive into the exciting universe of AI.
10 AI Programs for Middle School Students
1. Inspirit AI Creators and AI Pioneers
Location: Virtual
Fee: $1100 (all inclusive)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Rolling; sessions available year-round
In the AI Creators program for 5th-7th grades, students build AI apps using block-based programming tools. As students learn about the concepts and ethical challenges behind AI and the basics of programming, they train and deploy machine learning models for self-driving cars, chatbots, classification problems, and more! No prior programming or computer science background is required. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are particularly encouraged to participate.
In the AI Pioneers program for advanced 7th and 8th grades, students dive into training AI to understand language, fight disease, drive independently, and more. As they learn to program AI in Python and RunDexter, they apply algorithms to real-world datasets, discuss AI ethics and careers, and build interactive web apps to develop their machine learning models.
2. GirlsWhoCode Clubs
Location: Virtual / In-person
Fee: Free
Application Deadline: None (registration required)
Program Dates: Vary by club
GirlsWhoCode Clubs offer an engaging platform for students in grade 3 and above to explore the world of computer science. These clubs, available both virtually and in-person, focus on teaching fundamental computer science concepts, including loops, variables, conditionals, and functions. As a club member, you'll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with your peers, and develop essential coding skills. The flexible timeline allows these clubs to run during summer breaks, weekends, or after school hours. With the guidance of a Club Facilitator and access to free tutorials and meeting guides, you'll enhance your coding skills in a safe and supportive learning environment. Joining these clubs offers you a chance to learn, grow, and be part of a vibrant community of like-minded peers.
3. AI For Good
Location: Virtual
Fee: Free
Application Deadline: None
Program Dates: Available year-round
AI For Good is a year-round digital platform offered by the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union. It serves as a hub for AI innovators and problem owners to learn, discuss, and connect in order to identify practical AI solutions that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The platform encompasses a wide range of programs, each focusing on specific areas such as building healthy, inclusive communities, healthcare, climate change solutions, cybersecurity, and much more. These programs provide an opportunity to participate in one-day sessions where you can learn from and interact with science, technology, and AI experts from around the world. The flexible scheduling of these sessions makes it accessible for you to engage and learn at your own pace.
4. Creativity and AI Workshop at MIT Raise
Location: Virtual
Fee: Free
Application Deadline: Varies
Program Dates: Varies
The Creativity and AI Workshop at MIT Raise is designed for middle school students interested in unleashing their creative potential with the help of artificial intelligence. This program is all about teaching you innovative machine learning techniques and how they can be used to partner with AI in the creation of art. You'll engage in a variety of hands-on activities, some involving digital devices and hardware, and others that don't require digital tools. A special emphasis is placed on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), a powerful AI platform that can generate art, music, and various other forms of media. The RAISE program offers a curriculum approach, meaning that you may need to coordinate with your teacher or instructor to access specific curricula. Additionally, you have the flexibility to choose from other workshops and curricula available on the RAISE website, such as Conversational AI Tools and PICaboo.
5. Philosophy of AI at Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Virtual
Fee: $3,050 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024 (based on last year’s deadline)
Program Dates: Typically conducted in June and July
Stanford's Philosophy of AI program encourages middle school students to delve into the fundamental questions of artificial intelligence. This exploration leads to intriguing philosophical inquiries at the crossroads of AI, raising ethical and social questions about today's technology. Participants will question the impact of algorithms and machine learning on issues like lending decisions by banks or criminal sentences in courts—do they improve fairness or exacerbate existing problems? Through readings, discussions, and a variety of activities and projects, students will engage in wide-ranging discussions about the implications of AI. Successful completion of this program results in a certificate of completion, showcasing your in-depth understanding of the philosophical aspects of AI.
6. AI Summer Camp by Adventure AI
Location: Virtual
Fee: Up to $500
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Weekday and weekend camp options available
Adventure AI provides a unique social program that operates on Discord and in virtual classes, led by AI experts. This program allows you to delve into your interests and harness the power of AI to create a wide range of products, tools, and ideas related to your passions. Some of the exciting creations include GPT-4-powered games, websites, art pieces, rocket designs, and more. The camp also offers a self-paced curriculum focused on GPT and arts, all while providing personalized guidance from AI experts. Moreover, the camp provides opportunities to participate in AI competitions, offering flexibility in terms of scheduling with weekday and weekend camp options, and multiple time slots to accommodate your preferences. This program is a fantastic way to explore AI and unleash your creativity with the guidance of experts in the field.
7. Berkeley Coding Academy
Location: Virtual
Fee: $2,495 (limited scholarships available)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: Held in the summer (dates to be announced)
The Data Science to AI program at the Berkeley Coding Academy is an excellent opportunity for students aged 12-18 to dive into the world of AI, machine learning, and big data science. Offering one-on-one classes and a junior Python coders program for younger students, the program caters to a wide range of learners. Participants will gain the skills needed to write Python code behind AI and build machine learning models using real data. This course is ideal for those looking to build technical skills and offers different levels to accommodate various coding backgrounds. Students will work in small groups to create their own projects and models, providing hands-on experience and practical skills that can be applied to real-world challenges. The program also grants access to valuable resources, including Berkeley coding academy lecture videos, slides, and portfolio projects, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their technical and programming abilities.
8. Google AI Courses
Location: Virtual
Fee: Free
Application Deadline: None (registration required)
Program Dates: Available year-round
Google AI Courses offer a self-paced learning program for middle school students interested in delving into the world of generative AI and machine learning. These courses are thoughtfully designed to build a solid foundation for future research and studies in the field of computer science and AI. The program covers a wide range of topics, including linear algebra for AI and machine learning, machine learning problem framing, and the basics of machine learning. The courses are presented in a lucid and simple manner, making them accessible to middle school students. The best part is that these courses are entirely self-paced, allowing you to choose when and where you want to dedicate your time to learning. You can explore a comprehensive list of courses offered by Google AI from anywhere in the world, providing flexibility in your learning journey. Whether it's during your summer break or throughout the school year, these courses offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of AI and develop essential skills in the field.
9. AI for Oceans
Location: Virtual
Fee: Free
Application Deadline: None (registration required)
Program Dates: Available year-round
AI for Oceans, a collaborative initiative between Code.org and Microsoft, offers a unique program that goes beyond traditional coding. Participants in this program will delve into the realms of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ethical considerations. More than just learning about AI, students will actively train machine learning models and apply them to real-world marine biology challenges. Throughout the program, participants will explore the intricacies of marine life using technology, enhance and customize pre-trained models, and use a Support-Vector Machine to analyze oceanic data. This program is an ideal choice for students interested in computer science, marine biology, or environmental conservation. By participating, you will gain essential skills for analyzing oceanic data, developing AI models to study marine life, and designing AI-based solutions to address critical issues such as pollution and climate change.
10. Beaver Works Middle School Program at MIT
Location: In-person and virtual options
Fee: Free
Application Deadline: Typically opens in May
Program Dates: 4 weeks starting the Monday after the July 4 weekend
The Beaver Works Middle School Program is a truly immersive and exciting initiative offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Designed for middle school students, this program serves as a captivating gateway to the realms of Artificial Intelligence and engineering. Unlike many other programs, Beaver Works Middle School doesn't just teach theory; it encourages hands-on learning and problem-solving in a collaborative and creative environment.
During the program, students are exposed to the fascinating world of AI and engineering. They will be challenged to think critically and apply their knowledge to tackle real-world problems. The program emphasizes teamwork and collaborative projects, providing students with a unique opportunity to work together, share ideas, and apply AI and engineering concepts to real challenges.
Conclusion
The future is bright, and the journey of middle school students into the world of Artificial Intelligence has never been more accessible and exciting. These ten programs, thoughtfully curated and offered by renowned institutions and platforms, serve as gateways to an innovative and inspiring journey. They empower students to explore, learn, and create in the realm of AI, setting the stage for a future where the boundaries of technology are pushed beyond imagination.
As we conclude this exploration, we encourage every middle school student with a passion for AI to embark on this incredible journey. Whether it's by coding AI models, creating art with machine learning, or pondering the philosophical questions of AI ethics, each program offers unique experiences that can shape your future. These AI programs are not just about learning; they are about sparking creativity, nurturing curiosity, and fostering the next generation of innovators. The world of AI is at your fingertips – seize the opportunity and become a trailblazer in the age of artificial intelligence.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
