Top 8 AI for High School Students Programs

With AI being more commonly used in the workplaceto improve efficiency, project management, and automation, and 60% of teachers using AI in the classroom, it is clear that AI has a significant role for young minds at school and in their future careers. AI is therefore a vital skill for students who want to understand how AI works and apply it intelligently in their daily lives. As a result of the AI boom, there are now countless AI for high school students programs meant to improve student AI literacy. But why are these programs important, and how do you know which ones to apply to?

In this article, we'll be overviewing the top 10 AI for high school students programs, as well as answering questions like:

1. How is AI revolutionizing high school education?
2. Why should high school students learn about AI?
3. What do you learn in AI for high school students programs?

We care about AI literacy in high school students because it's kinda central to what we do. A quick intro: Answer.AI is the #1 AI app used by over 6 million students for 24/7 tutoring, college counseling, scholarship advising, and more. Our mission is to meet students where they are through expert AI techniques, so you can ask anything, and learn everything. If you are interested in learning more, download Answer.AI on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Chrome Web Store. You can also check out our blogs and events for more free resources.

Now let's learn more about AI for high school students!

How AI is Revolutionizing High School Education

In a recent study from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, data found that AI usage amongst high schoolers is widespread, and it's not looking like it's going away anytime soon. While the study noted that there are students who utilize AI for cheating and plagarism–two concerns that have frequently been raised in conversations on AI and education–students also want parents and teachers to know that there are much more positive use cases for AI:

• Curious learners can get explanations, fast: The study found that 53% of students use AI to get information, and 51% use it for brainstorming.
• A tool for creative exploration: AI is not just for homework, but also for passion projects. 31% of students use AI for making pictures and images, 16% develop music and sounds, and 15% get help to write code using AI tools.
• Learning without embarrassment or anxiety: Multiple students noted that they ask AI questions that they might be too afraid to ask their teachers or parents. AI can help students expand their learning where they don't limit their intellectual growth.

As a result, initiatives like the Stanford CRAFT program have been created to provide basic AI literacy and training for high school students, especially in low-income neighborhoods.

Additional Impact of AI for High School Students

Beyond ease and fast turnaround, AI has additional benefits for high school students, including:

• Personalized Learning: AI-powered platforms can analyze students' learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses to tailor educational content and pacing. This personalized approach can significantly improve student engagement and outcomes.
• Intelligent Tutoring Systems: AI-powered tutoring systems can provide students with real-time feedback and guidance, helping them to grasp complex concepts more effectively.
• Automated Grading and Feedback: AI can automate the grading process, freeing up teachers' time to focus on providing more meaningful feedback.
• Language Learning: AI-powered language learning apps can provide interactive exercises, speech recognition, and real-time feedback to help students learn new languages more quickly.
• Accessibility Tools: AI can be used to develop tools that make educational content accessible to students with disabilities, such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies.

Why is AI Literacy Important for High School Students?

Before getting into the nitty gritty of AI programs for high school students, it's important to understand why high schooler should be learning about it in the first place. Knowing how and when to use AI effectively is called AI literacy, and it's becoming an increasingly essential skill for students, employees, and beyond. Additional reasons include:

1. Preparation for the future workforce
2. Critical evaluation of AI-generated content
3. Awareness of AI applications in daily life

Preparation for the Future Workforce

AI is becoming a common tool used in the workforce. From AI chatbots to AI capabilities on popular tech tools, having a headstart on knowing how to use AI effectively can be what turns you into a stellar canddate for a role. High school students with AI literacy will also be better prepped to navigate the job market where automation and AI tools are prevalent. AI, for example, now scans through resumes as the first round of screening; knowing how to write a resume optimized for AI is therefore a vital skill that can give you a real edge.

Critical Evaluation of AI-Generated Content

AI has its cons. AI bias and the rise AI-generated and plagarized content are just two examples of challenges we face in current AI discourse. High school students who develop AI literacy will develop skills to assess the accuracy and credibility of information produced by AI, as well as approaching AI with a critical mindset. AI literacy teaches students how to identify AI biases and empowers them to address the ethical challenges posed by emerging technology.

Awareness of AI Applications in Daily Life

AI isn't just serious career mumbo jumbo. You can see its impact (and its direct usage!) in your favorite social media apps, as they use algorithms for your For You page, recommended Reels, and personalized shopping recommendations. As high school students develop AI literacy, they will be able to make more informed decisions about how they interact with tech.

The Best AI for High School Students Programs

Here are some of the best online courses and free AI programs that high school students can explore:

1. Answer.AI Scholarship Program
2. Stanford AI4ALL
3. Google AI for Beginners
4. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
5. Carnegie Mellon Univeristy AI Scholars
6. AI Scholars Live Online
7. Intro to TensorFlow for Deep Learning
8. Veritas AI

Answer.AI Scholarship Program

Answer.AI is one of the top leading AI education tools for high school students, with over 6 million students and counting using the app and web extension. With your 24/7 AI tutor and counselor, you can get support for academic challenges, receive personalized college recommendations, and discover scholarships and financial aid programs that can help you with higher education fees.

Answer.AI's Scholarship Program is geared for students who want learn more about AI's role in education. You can earn up to $5K with the scholarship, and there are no fees to apply. You can apply for the scholarship here.

Stanford AI4ALL

Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week online program for high school students. The program's goal is to increase diversity and inclusion in AI by providing students access to educational AI resources. Keep in mind that the Stanford AI4ALL program is specifically targeting current 9th graders (rising 10th graders). The program costs around $4,000 and need-based financial aid is available.

Google AI for Beginners

Google offers a beginner-friendly course aimed at helping students understand the fundamentals of AI. The course covers machine learning basics, neural networks, and real-world applications of AI. It includes interactive exercises, which make it easier for students to grasp complex topics. It's great for high school students who want to get a hands-on introduction to AI, and it's taught by one of the leaders in the field.

MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute

The MIT Beaver WOrks Summer Institute is a four-week STEM program for rising seniors. This program is more general; depending on what you want out of your summer (do you want to focus just on AI, or have a broader approach), this could be a good fit for you. You will have to take online prerequisite classes before the program begins, so make sure you block off time for those courses.

Carnegie Mellon University AI Scholars

The Carnegie Mellon AI Scholars is a four-week residential summer program for rising seniors (similar in length and age requirement to the MIT Beavers Program. It is fully funded, so you won't have to worry about costs, and the program is meant specifically for learning about AI. You will have weekly college prep and readiness seminars, hands-on research projects, engagement with industry leaders, and take college-level AI courses.

AI Scholars Live Online

The AI Scholars Live Online program is offered by Inspirit AI. It is a 10-session bootcamp for high school students and covers the basics of AI through project-based learning. Anyone grades 9-12 can take the course, though you will have to pay around $900 for the course (there are financial aid options available).

Intro to TensorFlow for Deep Learning

Offered by Udacity, this is a beginner-friendly course that teaches students how to use TensorFlow, one of the most popular machine learning libraries, to build AI models. While this course involves some coding, it's accessible to students who are eager to dive into AI development. Students will learn the basics of machine learning and neural networks and gain hands-on experience with a popular AI tool.

Veritas AI

Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, is an online program offering high school students opportunities to explore artificial intelligence and machine learning. It is a 10-session, 25-hour bootcamp that requires no prior coding experience, focusing on project-based learning and collaborative group projects. The program emphasizes mentorship from AI practitioners, project-based learning, and accessibility, with financial aid covering up to 100% of costs for eligible students.

Free AI Tools for High School Students

In addition to learning resources, there are many free AI tools that can help high school students get hands-on experience with AI technologies. These tools range from beginner-friendly platforms to more advanced AI development environments.

• Google AI Test Kitchen: This platform allows you to experiment with AI models and create your own AI-powered projects.
• Replit: A web-based IDE that supports various programming languages, including Python, which is widely used for AI development.
• Hugging Face: A platform for sharing and collaborating on machine learning models, including pre-trained models for natural language processing and computer vision.
• Google Collaboratory: A free Jupyter notebook environment that allows you to run Python code directly in your browser, making it ideal for experimenting with machine learning and AI.
• AI Dungeon: A text-based adventure game powered by AI, which can help you develop your creativity and storytelling skills.

Benefits of AI Tools for High School Students

Using AI tools can be a great way for you to have more productive, comprehensive, and interesting learning experiences:

1. Enhanced learning experiences through personalization: AI tools can adapt to the unique learning pace and style of each student. Whether a student excels in certain subjects or needs extra help in others, AI-powered platforms like adaptive learning apps or intelligent tutoring systems tailor the content to meet individual needs. This level of personalization keeps students engaged and ensures that they can fully grasp concepts before moving on.
2. Immediate feedback and support: One of the standout advantages of AI tools is their ability to provide instant feedback. For instance, AI-based writing assistants can highlight errors in essays, suggest improvements, and even explain grammar rules in real time. Similarly, AI math tutors can guide students step-by-step through complex problems. This immediacy empowers students to correct mistakes on the spot and strengthens their understanding of the subject.
3. Improved time management and organization: AI tools are excellent for helping students stay organized. Features like AI-powered planners, study schedulers, and task management apps assist students in prioritizing assignments and meeting deadlines. For high school students balancing coursework, extracurriculars, and college prep, these tools simplify time management, reduce stress, and boost productivity.
4. Access to vast amounts of information and resources: AI bridges the gap between students and a world of knowledge. Virtual assistants and educational chatbots can answer questions, provide explanations, and direct students to reliable resources instantly. AI tools can also recommend articles, videos, and other learning materials tailored to a student’s interests or curriculum, making it easier than ever to access and absorb new information.
5. Preparation for future careers in AI and technology: AI is shaping the future job market, and familiarity with AI tools prepares students for careers in this rapidly growing field. Exposure to AI technology helps students develop critical skills such as problem-solving, coding, and data analysis. Programs like Veritas AI and other AI education initiatives provide hands-on experience with machine learning, giving students a head start in pursuing STEM careers.

AI for High School Students with Answer.AI

By embracing AI tools and education, high school students can gain valuable skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their academic and professional futures. As AI technology evolves, so too will its applications in education, offering even more opportunities for personalized, efficient, and engaging learning experiences.

In conclusion, Answer.AI and AI in general is transforming education for high school students, providing them with powerful tools and resources to enhance their learning journey. By leveraging AI-powered platforms, online courses, and free tools, students can develop crucial skills, improve their academic performance, and prepare for the AI-driven world that awaits them after graduation.

Every day at Answer.AI we focus on improving Student Success, and we communicate with educators and parents, to teach them how essential it is to guide students in the responsible and effective use of these AI tools. Download Answer.AI on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Chrome Web Store. You can also check out our blogs and events for more free resources.