Inspirit AI vs. Free Online Programs: 5 Reasons Why Inspirit AI Scholars Outshines Free AI and CS Classes
In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and creating new career paths, high school students are increasingly eager to gain a head start. Many turn to free online resources, hoping to acquire the skills necessary to navigate this rapidly evolving field. While these free resources offer a foundational understanding, they often fall short in delivering the comprehensive, hands-on, and guided learning experience necessary for true mastery. This is where the Inspirit AI Scholars program stands out as a superior choice. In this blog post, we are sharing 5 reasons why Inspirit AI Scholars offers a superior student experience to free AI classes found online.
Reason #1: Inspirit AI offers mentorship from Stanford, MIT, and top university alumni and graduate students.
One of the most significant advantages of Inspirit AI Scholars is the access to mentorship from some of the brightest minds in the field. Unlike free programs that typically offer static content without any personalized guidance, Inspirit AI Scholars is taught by graduate students and alumni from top universities like Stanford, MIT, and other prestigious institutions.
These instructors bring a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and industry insight, ensuring that students not only learn the theoretical aspects of AI but also understand how to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. This mentorship is invaluable, as it provides students with the opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback, and engage in discussions that deepen their understanding and spark creativity.
Access to high-quality mentorship is an invaluable resource and opportunity for high schoolers, and for this reason, Inspirit AI Scholars is the superior choice to free AI classes online.
Reason #2: Inspirit AI goes beyond the basics with a project-based curriculum.
Inspirit AI Scholars goes beyond the basics, offering a curriculum that is both rigorous and project-based. While free online programs may provide coding tutorials and introductory lessons, they often lack the structure and depth needed to guide students from theory to practice.
Inspirit AI Scholars, on the other hand, is designed to take students on a journey from foundational AI concepts to the development of their own AI projects. These projects are not just hypothetical exercises but are carefully designed to solve real-world problems, allowing students to see the tangible impact of their work. This hands-on experience is crucial for building confidence and competence in AI, something that free programs simply cannot replicate.
While free AI and CS courses certainly have tangible learning benefits, Inspirit AI Scholars goes beyond the basics with an in-depth project based curriculum, making this paid offering a superior selection.
“The AI Scholars Program gave me a great introduction to Machine Learning and AI that I don't think I would have been able to learn on my own! The concepts were introduced in an easy to understand way that also got me inspired to learn more about the field on my own. The project that we all worked on together was a fun and interactive experience that let me get hands on experience with Computer Vision technology.”
— Anish Sasanur, Inspirit AI Alum, Now at UC Berkeley
Reason #3: Inspirit AI classes are live so students can receive real-time support from instructors.
Another critical distinction lies in the learning environment. Free online programs are typically self-paced and lack interaction, leaving students to navigate the material on their own. This can lead to a fragmented understanding and frustration when concepts become challenging.
Inspirit AI Scholars offers a live, interactive classroom experience where students can collaborate with peers, engage in lively discussions, and receive immediate support from their instructors. This dynamic learning environment fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for keeping students motivated and engaged.
AI is a difficult subject to grasp, and having access to real-time instructor support and tailored instruction in the Inspirit AI Scholars program has proven to exceed expectations, in comparison to free offerings online.
Reason #4: Inspirit AI Scholars alums join a network of AI-focused professionals and peers.
In addition to the high-quality instruction and mentorship, Inspirit AI Scholars also provides students with access to a network of like-minded peers and professionals upon completion of the program. This network, called the AI Ambassadors program, can open doors to future opportunities, whether it's through collaborative projects, internships, or even college recommendations.
Inspirit AI Scholars alums receive access to talks on the latest advancements in AI and machine learning, such as generative AI, as well as college and career guidance. The connections made through Inspirit AI Scholars can be a significant advantage in a student's academic and professional journey, offering benefits that extend well beyond the duration of the program.
“The AI Scholars program introduced the world of AI to me, which I found different from the data structures and algorithms classes I had been exposed to. After participating in this program, and going through interviews, I got an offer at Citibank to be an AI/ML Engineer. This probably really helped me to get into college and also find research positions once I was in college. Inspirit sparked my interest in AI which I have been continuing to explore.”
The truth is that free programs do not offer access to this high caliber community. The ability to form connections with other peers and professionals as a high schooler is an opportunity that should not be overlooked. For this reason, Inspirit AI Scholars stands out over free programs online.
Hear from Amita Satish, Inspirit AI alum, who shares how AI Scholars set her up for success in her college admissions process, as well as helped her land selective internships at Citibank and Tesla!
Reason #5: Inspirit AI Scholars students can showcase their projects on their college applications in more impactful ways.
A final, yet crucial, reason why Inspirit AI Scholars stands out is the opportunity it provides students to showcase their AI projects on college applications. In an increasingly competitive college admissions landscape, demonstrating practical experience and a deep understanding of complex subjects like AI can set applicants apart. The projects developed during the Inspirit AI Scholars program are not just theoretical; they are fully-realized, impactful solutions to real-world problems. Including AI Scholars projects in college applications can highlight a student’s ability to apply advanced concepts, their commitment to learning, and their potential to contribute to the academic community.
This tangible evidence of skills and initiative can make a powerful impression on admissions committees, giving students an edge over others who may only have basic, self-taught knowledge from free programs.Taking a free program online may have educational benefits, but it won’t provide the same “Wow” factor as featuring a fully-developed AI project on your application or resume.
Why Inspirit AI Scholars Outshines Free AI Classes
In conclusion, while free online programs can be a useful starting point for those curious about AI, they fall short of providing the comprehensive, guided, and interactive experience that Inspirit AI Scholars offers. The mentorship from top university graduate students, the rigorous project-based curriculum, and the supportive learning environment make Inspirit AI Scholars the superior choice for high school students serious about mastering AI and making an impact in the field. Investing in this program is not just about learning to code: it's about shaping the future leaders of the AI revolution.
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.
