FOUNDATIONS TRACK
AI SCHOLARS
AI program for high school students, no experience needed
A 10-week crash course in AI — learn the fundamentals from researchers and build a real group project.
GRADES 9–12
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
ONLINE VIA ZOOM
25 HOURS OVER 10 WEEKS
OUTCOMES
What you'll leave with
✓
A group AI project built with 3–4 peers
✓
A personalized mentor evaluation
✓
Eligibility for University of California, San Diego Extended Studies credit
✓
A GitHub portfolio piece and completion certificate
Structure and schedule
25 hours over 10 weeks · group classes at a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio · fully online via Zoom.
Who it's for
Grades 9–12 with Python basics, or who have completed AI Scholars. Built for students aiming at national-level competitions and publications.
The curriculum
Ten weeks, three phases.
STAGE 1
Weeks 1–2 · Foundations
Python for AI, and how to run a data-science project end to end.
STAGE 2
Weeks 3–5 · Core AI
Regression, neural networks and natural language processing.
STAGE 3
Weeks 6–10 · Advanced topics and your project
CNNs, deep learning and sentiment analysis — then build your project.
YOUR MENTORS
Who you'll work with
PhD researchers at the institutions defining modern AI — and practitioners at the labs and companies building it. Classes run at a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio.
College credit eligibility
Students who successfully complete a high school program are eligible for post-baccalaureate credit through University of California, San Diego Extended Studies.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
Student Outcomes and Results
The research is the point, but it isn't the end of it. Here's where the work goes after the program ends.
79%
of student papers submitted to peer-reviewed journals are accepted for publication
4.5x
more likely to be admitted — our alumni were accepted at 36%, against an 8% average at the same universities
Regeneron ISEF
Veritas AI research presented at the world’s largest pre-college science fair
AI Scholars FAQs
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Students in grades 9–12. No prior experience needed — the program starts from Python fundamentals.
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All sessions are online via Zoom. Students join from anywhere.
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AI Scholars is the foundations track: group classes at a 5:1 ratio, ending in a group project. The AI Fellowship is 1-on-1 mentorship on an independent project, and expects Python basics or completed AI Scholars going in.
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Yes. Financial aid is need-based and available up to 100%, and you apply for it inside the application form — tick the box and you're considered automatically.
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Students who successfully complete a high school program are eligible for 3 units of post-baccalaureate credit through University of California, San Diego Extended Studies.
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25 hours of class time over 10 weeks.
Not sure this is the right fit?
AI Accelerator
Independent research paper for a college journal or national competition.
AI Fellowship
An independent project with 15 one-on-one sessions and publication support.
Compare all programs
Every track side by side — prerequisites, structure, and what you leave with.
Ready to build something real?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.