TL;DR:
- Chicago has been chosen to host the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp program for the third year in a row.
- The bootcamp is aimed at underserved high school students, introducing them to basic AI concepts and skills.
- It will take place over four consecutive Saturdays, from October 14th to November 4th, and students must attend all four sessions.
- Applications are now open, and prior experience in computer science or robotics is not required.
- Students will learn about AI, its applications in daily life, and its ethical implications.
- Corporate mentors will provide guidance, helping students understand advanced concepts.
- The bootcamp curriculum focuses on Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Generative AI.
- The Mark Cuban Foundation provides curriculum materials, trains mentors, and covers expenses for students, including food, transportation, and laptops.
- The initiative has impacted over 900 students so far and aims to increase its reach.
Main AI News:
In a remarkable feat, Chicago has been chosen once again to be the proud host city for the highly anticipated Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp program. This prestigious event, now in its third year, is specifically designed to empower underserved high school students (9th-12th grade) by equipping them with fundamental AI concepts and skills at absolutely no cost.
Joining a prestigious lineup of 28+ cities across the United States, Chicago has been selected to offer these transformative bootcamps in the fall of 2023. The Chicago Bootcamp is scheduled to unfold over four consecutive Saturdays, commencing on October 14th and concluding on November 4th. From 1-5 pm CT, eager students who are accepted into the program will be immersed in a dynamic learning environment, where their commitment to attending all four sessions is an essential requirement.
Prospective students and their parents can now access the application process through the official website markcubanai.org/chicagopr. It’s worth noting that no prior experience in computer science, programming, or robotics is necessary to apply or participate in this groundbreaking opportunity.
In a world where artificial intelligence dominates headlines, the AI Bootcamp offers students an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the intricacies of this cutting-edge field. Throughout the bootcamp, they will gain invaluable insights into what artificial intelligence truly entails, debunking common misconceptions while exploring the ways in which AI already impacts their everyday lives.
Ethical considerations surrounding AI systems, such as TikTok recommendations, smart home assistants, facial recognition, and self-driving cars, will be thoroughly discussed, broadening their understanding of the technology’s implications. Moreover, participants will be astounded by the transformative power of Large Language Models like ChatGPT, which have revolutionized various aspects of life, ranging from answering complex queries to crafting original narratives and even generating computer code.
Students will greatly benefit from the guidance of dedicated corporate mentors, whose expertise in AI, machine learning, and data science will enable them to grasp advanced concepts typically taught at the collegiate level. Each day of the intensive four-hour curriculum, students will engage with open-source tools, honing their skills in building AI applications within the domains of Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Generative AI.
Under the patronage of the Mark Cuban Foundation, this enlightening bootcamp provides students with meticulously crafted educational materials. Corporate volunteers, handpicked and trained by the foundation, serve as mentors to aspiring students, guiding them on their AI journey. Furthermore, the foundation collaborates closely with a local partner in Chicago to ensure that participants are provided with vital resources such as nourishing meals, transportation, and access to laptops throughout the duration of the bootcamp. All of these provisions are made available to students at absolutely no cost, eliminating any financial barriers and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Reflecting on his experience, Brandon B., a 10th-grade participant in the 2022 AI Bootcamp, expressed his excitement and awe at the possibilities presented by AI: “It was a lot of fun. I learned things I didn’t even know were possible with AI and their real-world applications showed me just how much it will change our world.”
Conclusion:
Chicago’s selection as the host city for the third consecutive year of the AI Bootcamp program signifies the city’s prominence in the field of artificial intelligence education. The program’s focus on empowering underserved high school students by providing them with valuable AI skills and knowledge highlights the commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities in the market. With the involvement of corporate mentors and a comprehensive curriculum, the bootcamp not only equips students with AI expertise but also nurtures their passion for emerging technologies. This initiative by the Mark Cuban Foundation sets a benchmark for other cities and organizations, demonstrating the importance of investing in AI education to shape a future workforce that is well-prepared for the evolving market demands.
