If you are a middle school student interested in AI, engaging in extracurriculars is definitely worth exploring. By engaging in AI projects and programs, you will learn how to approach complex challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, developing algorithms that can perform tasks ranging from simple pattern recognition to making predictions based on data. Most of these opportunities are also great for collaborative learning, letting you work alongside peers with similar interests. By starting early, you will also be able to stand out more when you apply to summer programs and high schools. 

It can be confusing to determine which kind of extracurricular is best suited to you. In this blog, we’ve detailed 10 AI Extracurriculars for middle school students that you can consider!

1. Join an AI Camp

Joining an AI camp is a great way for you to explore artificial intelligence and its applications in different settings. For instance, the AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a great option for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals of data science and artificial intelligence. The program, specifically designed for middle school students, allows you to engage in live lectures, coding notebooks, and real-world projects. You learn from mentors from top universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more! You can apply here. 

Another option is  AI4ALL Open Learning Program that introduces students to concepts in AI in an online, self-paced format. It places a strong emphasis on the societal benefits of AI, aiming to inspire a sense of purpose and responsibility in young learners. Through engaging content and interactive projects, you'll get a grasp on the fundamental concepts in AI, learn about its potential to solve complex societal issues, and understand the importance of ethical considerations in technology development.

For students ready to immerse themselves further into the practical aspects of AI, Data Science to AI at the Berkeley Coding Academy offers a more intensive experience. This camp is focused on introducing students to the fundamentals of AI, ML, and big data science. The academy offers 1-1 classes for students aged 12-18, and a junior python coders program for ages 7-11. You will learn how to write and evaluate python code behind AI and build ML models from real data. The course has different levels for students based on their coding background. 

2. Participate in AI Competitions

Participating in AI competitions will not only challenge your understanding and application of AI concepts but also foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and a sense of community. For instance, the AI Family Challenge is a global competition that brings together families and students to tackle real-world problems through AI. This unique platform allows you to learn and apply AI concepts in a collaborative environment, working on projects aimed at creating positive social change. It emphasizes the power of AI to solve significant issues, encouraging participants to think critically about the role of technology in society.

Another notable competition is Technovation Girls, which is open to girls aged 10-18, encouraging them to develop mobile apps and AI projects that address community problems. This competition is particularly impactful as it aims to close the gender gap in technology by empowering young girls to become leaders in the field of AI. Through Technovation Girls, you will gain not only technical skills but also experience in project management, research, and pitching ideas — all within a supportive and inspiring community of like-minded individuals.

3. Attend AI Workshops and Events

Attending AI workshops and events will introduce you to the fundamentals of AI in an interactive and engaging environment. For example, the Curiosity Machine AI Family Challenge Workshops offer hands-on AI projects and activities that allow you to work alongside your family members. They emphasize the collaborative aspect of technology, encouraging creativity and innovation within a supportive setting.

Another great opportunity comes from Microsoft Store Workshops, which frequently host free sessions tailored for students like you. These workshops provide introductory lessons on coding and AI, utilizing popular and accessible tools like Minecraft Education Edition. Microsoft's workshops are designed to spark interest in technology and computing, offering a foundation upon which you can build more advanced skills.

By participating in these workshops and events, you gain practical experience with AI technologies and coding principles. These events will also allow you to meet and interact with peers who share similar interests.

4. Enroll in Online AI Courses

Enrolling in online AI courses is an excellent starting point for beginners or a way to deepen your understanding if you already have some experience in AI. For instance, Code.org's AI for Oceans is an innovative course that introduces AI concepts through a game-based learning environment. This course tackles environmental issues by engaging students in activities focused on cleaning the oceans, making learning both impactful and fun. It's an excellent way for you to understand how AI can be applied to solve real-world problems while enjoying the interactive and engaging format of game-based learning.

Khan Academy, known for its comprehensive and free educational resources, offers courses like Intro to JS and Advanced JS, which lay the groundwork for understanding programming, a foundational skill for AI and machine learning. Starting with JavaScript, these courses teach you the basics of coding, from drawing and animation to more complex concepts that serve as building blocks for AI learning. These programming courses are structured to encourage self-paced learning, allowing you to explore and progress according to your interest and schedule.

5. Join a Robotics Club or Team

Joining a robotics club or team will introduce you to the foundational principles of engineering and computer science, while also offer a platform to apply AI concepts in practical, problem-solving contexts. As a team, you can participate in competitions! 

For instance, the FIRST LEGO League is a strong place to start. This international competition challenges teams to design, build, and program robots using LEGO Mindstorms technology, tackling real-world problems that often require basic AI solutions. 

Similarly, VEX Robotics’s competitions and challenges focus on building and programming robots, incorporating AI elements that require students to develop and implement strategies for autonomous robot behavior. These challenges are designed to mimic real-life scenarios, fostering an environment where students can experiment with robotics and AI technologies in a collaborative and competitive setting.

6. Engage in AI-based Project Clubs

Engaging in AI-based project clubs can provide a collaborative and innovative environment where you can dive deep into the world of AI, learning through hands-on projects that range from programming to robotics. Whether you're building smart devices or developing AI models, these clubs offer a supportive space for experimentation, learning, and growth.

School STEM Clubs, for example, can be a great place to start. These clubs often encourage you to initiate and participate in projects with a focus on AI. You might find yourself working on creating smart devices using Arduino or Raspberry Pi, learning both the hardware and software sides of AI applications. 

Another excellent opportunity is CoderDojo, a global network of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs. CoderDojo provides a unique platform for young people to learn how to code in a fun and social environment. As a member, you can work on a variety of projects, including those focused on AI and machine learning. The open and informal setting of CoderDojo clubs encourages you to explore the parts of AI that interest you.

7. Explore AI with Games and Simulations

Exploring AI through games and simulations allows you to learn complex AI concepts in a fun and interactive way. By immersing yourself in games and simulations, you can see AI principles in action and understand their real-world applications without needing advanced technical knowledge.

Google's AI Experiments platform is one example of how games and simulations can introduce you to AI concepts. This collection of web-based experiments and games is designed to make AI understandable and accessible to learners of all ages. You can interact with various AI models to see how they learn, make decisions, and interpret data. These activities range from creating music with AI to exploring how neural networks work, providing a hands-on learning experience that is both educational and entertaining.

Another valuable resource is MIT's Scratch, an innovative programming language and online community specifically designed for young learners. Scratch makes it easy for you to create your own interactive media, such as stories, games, and animations. What makes Scratch particularly exciting for those interested in AI is the ability to incorporate basic AI and machine learning concepts into your projects. 

8. Read AI-Focused Books and Resources

Reading AI-focused books will teach you concepts in artificial intelligence beyond the classroom. By reading about AI, you can gain access to a range of perspectives and insights, from technical explanations to ethical considerations and future predictions.

"AI for Kids" by Dale Lane is a good place to start. This book is tailored specifically for young learners, offering a clear and engaging introduction to artificial intelligence. It includes a variety of activities and easy-to-understand explanations, making it a practical resource for middle school students. Through interactive projects, you can apply what you've learned, reinforcing concepts and sparking a genuine interest in AI and technology.

For those looking for a deeper dive, "Surviving AI" by Calum Chace provides a more advanced exploration of the subject. Although it might be more suited to older readers, middle school students with a strong interest in AI will find it thought-provoking. The book delves into the potential future impacts of AI on society, economy, and our daily lives, raising important questions about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Reading "Surviving AI" can stimulate critical thinking and encourage discussion among peers and mentors about the implications of rapid technological advancement.

9. Participate in AI Mentorship Programs

Participating in AI mentorship programs will connect you with experts and professionals in the field. Through mentorship, you can gain a deeper understanding of AI concepts, explore various career paths, and develop important skills that are not always covered in traditional educational settings.

The Junior AI Fellowship program by Veritas AI is a 1-1 mentorship program designed for middle school students to create unique, personalized AI projects. Through the program, you receive individualized guidance from mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, & MIT over 12-15 weeks to create a research paper, app, or model in a topic that interests you! You can work on projects at the intersection of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & gaming, AI & sports, and more! You can apply here. 

Another option, if you are interested in research based programs, is the Lumiere Junior Explorer Program. This 1-1 research program is designed particularly for middle school students. Through the program, you will get a chance to work with PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard, Yale, MIT, and more to write research papers in your field of interest. You can pick from a wide range of subjects and topics including AI, data science, engineering, business, psychology, and social science. This is a great opportunity for students interested in interdisciplinary research and want to gain in depth knowledge of a subject. 

10. Create AI Projects for School Science Fairs

Creating AI projects for school science fairs allows you to apply what you've learned about AI in a practical, project-based setting, challenging you to solve real-world problems or explore new ideas. 

A strong resource to kickstart your project ideas is Science Buddies. This platform offers a wealth of ideas and resources for science projects across various disciplines, including artificial intelligence. With detailed project guides and suggestions, Science Buddies can help you identify an AI project that matches your interests and skill level. Whether it's creating a simple machine learning model to classify images or exploring natural language processing, Science Buddies provides the guidance you need to begin your AI project journey.

For those looking to tackle more advanced projects, the ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) Resources offer a treasure trove of information and inspiration. While primarily aimed at high school students, middle schoolers can also benefit from the wealth of project ideas and detailed guidelines provided. These resources can help you understand the scope and depth of high-level science and engineering projects, including those with a focus on AI. 

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