Top 7 AI Programs for Middle School Students
In an era where technology acts as the compass guiding us through the uncharted waters of the future, introducing our youth to the dynamic world of artificial intelligence becomes not just a choice but a necessity. Middle school students, poised at the intersection of curiosity and potential, are the architects of the world we are yet to witness. To nurture this innate curiosity and channelize their energy towards the possibilities of AI, we present a curated list of the Top 7 AI Programs for Middle School Students.
The landscape of education is evolving, and so should our approach to preparing the minds of tomorrow. In this blog post, we embark on a journey that transcends the traditional boundaries of classrooms, textbooks, and lectures. These carefully chosen programs act as portals to a realm where artificial intelligence is not an abstract concept but a dynamic force propelling innovation.
From the comfort of virtual classrooms to the hands-on workshops that ignite the spark of creativity, each program featured here is meticulously designed to be more than just an educational experience. They are gateways to a future where coding is an art form, and algorithms are the keys unlocking doors to boundless possibilities.
Join us as we navigate through these transformative AI programs, each offering a unique blend of education and inspiration. Let's explore how these initiatives are shaping the minds of the tech leaders of tomorrow, laying the groundwork for a generation that doesn't just embrace technology but actively contributes to its evolution. In this exploration of innovation, creativity, and education, we invite you to discover the programs that will unlock the potential of middle school students and pave the way for a future where artificial intelligence is not just a tool but a pathway to endless opportunities.
Top 7 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
Inspirit AI aims to inspire curiosity in elementary and middle school students globally, by exposing them to the defining technology of our times. We provide small, live, online, courses in AI with a focus on web development, mobile development, and more––getting students interested in applying cutting-edge technology for social good.
This program, developed and taught exclusively by a team of alumni and students from Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, provides a background in programming fundamentals, initiating AI-inspired projects, and general mentorship.
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. 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.
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. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
Conclusion
In concluding our exploration of the Top 7 AI Programs for Middle School Students, it becomes evident that these initiatives extend beyond conventional education. They serve as transformative gateways, reshaping the landscape for aspiring tech pioneers in middle school. The journey we've embarked upon has unveiled not just educational platforms but dynamic catalysts that redefine how young minds engage with the vast realm of artificial intelligence.
From immersive virtual classrooms to hands-on workshops, each program in this curated list plays a pivotal role in demystifying AI, transforming it from an abstract concept into a tangible tool for innovation. These initiatives not only impart knowledge but also instill a profound sense of creativity and problem-solving—a potent combination that propels the tech leaders of tomorrow into uncharted territories of discovery.
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.
