“The most important thing that comes out of the camp is confidence.”
-Mark Cuban
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in the world of technology, and its impact on our lives is undeniable. Recognizing the importance of equipping young minds with AI knowledge, the Pasadena Educational Foundation hosted the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp with Pasadena Unified high school students for the third consecutive year. This transformative program provided students with invaluable insights into the world of AI, thanks to mentors from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
A Remarkable Experience
The bootcamp brought together 25 local high school students from Pasadena High School, John Muir Early College Magnet, Blair High School, Marshall Fundamental, and others, along with two student mentors from Blair who returned from last year’s program. Throughout the camp, students delved into basic AI concepts and skills under the guidance of mentors from NASA JPL, who possess extensive knowledge of AI, machine learning (ML), and data science. The four-week curriculum introduced students to open-source tools, allowing them to build their own AI applications related to Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Generative AI.
AI for Good
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Mark Cuban AI Bootcamp was the range of Capstone presentations that students delivered upon completion. These presentations showcased innovative applications of AI, including detecting skin cancer, distinguishing between pharmaceuticals, exploring art design, and emulating the legendary home security tactics from the classic movie “Home Alone.” These projects illustrate the diverse possibilities that AI offers for making a positive impact on various aspects of our lives, as well as some humorous ones.
Beyond the Technical: Ethical Implications
The bootcamp didn’t just focus on technical aspects, but also emphasized the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Students explored connections between AI and topics like TikTok recommendations, smart home assistants, facial recognition, and self-driving cars, highlighting the importance of responsible AI development and usage. This well-rounded approach to AI education prepares students to not only harness the power of AI, but also be conscientious and ethical AI users and creators.
A Partnership That Makes a Difference
Chris A. Mattmann, co-founder of the Mark Cuban AI Pasadena Camp, expressed his thoughts on the camp’s impact: “After three years of participating in this amazing camp, you can really see the effect it has on our students. Growing their skills in Artificial Intelligence in a practical manner is a needed and important skill that will prepare these high school juniors and seniors for the challenges ahead in their college experience, which will include AI in nearly every aspect! From ChatGPT to voice cloning, to Arts and Entertainment, these students learned and covered it all. Working with Caltech, the Pasadena Educational Foundation, and the App Academy at Pasadena High School has been an exceptional partnership!”
Mitch Aiken, Associate Director for Educational Outreach at Caltech remarked: “I’m so grateful that this local partnership between PEF, JPL and Caltech has allowed us to be part of the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamps each year. This extraordinary opportunity for our local high school students to take a deep dive into the realm of Artificial Intelligence gives them invaluable skills and insights as they navigate this terrain. And to be mentored by JPL experts no less!”
Thank You to Our Mentors and Partners
Thank you to the Mark Cuban Foundation, NASA JPL, and Caltech for providing opportunities for PUSD students to explore the world of AI. The skills and knowledge gained during this bootcamp create a strong foundation for our students as they embark on their academic and professional journeys, ensuring they are well-prepared for the AI-driven world that lies ahead.
