AI Summer Camps: Where Do I Start?
Seems like you’re trying to get into AI. Good choice. But AI can seem a bit daunting. After all, you’re creating artificial intelligence. That’s the stuff of sci-fi movies. There’s no way you can just open up a Python IDE, write some code, and have a working AI. Right?
Well, you can actually. It really is that simple. And there are a lot of really great ways to learn how to make some really powerful, yet extraordinarily simple new technology. In fact, there is some great documentation and tutorials for learning AI online. But if you’re a high school student on summer vacation, there’s one more great way to learn how to use AI. AI summer programs can be an invaluable resource for you.
Why Should I Learn AI?
First of all, you might not even be convinced that learning AI is for you. After all, you might aim to be a conventional software engineer, not working with AI or machine learning even once in your career. I’m going to tell you that this is almost certainly false. AI will show up in your work, if not now, then later. Also, learning how to use AI is going to be invaluable because of one other reason.
AI gives you new solutions to your existing problems. For example, if you were to try to create a program to play blackjack or another game, it might take hundreds of lines of code to write exceptions and rules for every single edge case of the game.
Instead, you could write an AI model that analyzes a database of blackjack games that is commonly available online. From that, you can create an AI model that can probably play blackjack better than you can.
Where Should I Start?
Honestly, finding summer camps to apply for really isn’t that difficult. Just go online and search up “AI summer camps.” Inspirit AI has a great program for people looking to get into AI. If you haven’t had much experience in the field, be sure to check them out. You’ll definitely learn a lot and you’ll make some cool projects along the way.
Another great “summer camp” is an online course. There are tons of great online courses that teach you how to use AI. You can find free online AI certification bootcamps, you can look at some community college courses, and so much more. The possibilities really are limitless. It seems that in today’s world, everyone and their mother is offering at least a decent AI course.
Are Summer Camps Really That Important?
It kind of depends. Are you someone who really needs the instruction from a mentor and wants to see projects being worked out in front of you? If so, then yeah summer camps are pretty important. But if you find that you work better on your own, or really prefer self-studying, then summer camps may not be right for you. It’s all about figuring out what kind of instructional model is best for you, and following through with it.
What Summer Camps Are The “Best?”
There really is no answer to that. As I’ve said, it seems that there are hundreds of really decent AI courses for you to check out. Just do a bit of research on their preferred style of instruction and see what clicks for you. If you prefer an in-person course, find something that fits that. If you like being at home, find an online course. There really is no way to say what’s best, as it really just depends on your choice.
College Courses
As I mentioned earlier, another great place to start is college courses. Check out your local community college’s listings. Chances are, they might have a really cool artificial intelligence course. Be sure to look under data science courses as well! Many artificial intelligence courses can be found under the data science categories, the information sciences courses, computer sciences courses, and sometimes in other obscure locations. Just do some digging!
Time To Get Started
In this article, I’ve shared a few ways to get started on an AI summer camp. Just find something to sign up for, and go crazy! I wish you the best of luck, and happy coding :)
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.
