You may know him from his drug company Cost Plus Drugs or from previously owning the Dallas Mavericks. Otherwise you are bound to know him from his deal brokering. Shark tanks.
But for many students, Mark Cuban is the reason they’re able to learn about one of the most important emerging skills right now: AI.
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This year, in more than 18 cities across the country, high school students will be able to learn the latest advances in AI, including ChatGPT, completely free through the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Initiative.
“There are two types of companies in the world right now – those that understand AI and those that don’t,” Cuban explains good fortune In an email
“I want to see more kids ready and excited to learn more about AI and be a part of how it’s changing society. By democratizing AI education, we empower these kids to shape their future.” and empower them to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.”
Bringing free AI education across the country
Founded in 2019, thousands of students are pursuing AI training in subjects such as machine learning, natural language processing, and AI ethics.
The requirements to apply for the 2024 bootcamps are simple. In fact, no coding or tech knowledge is required. Students only need to be in 9th-12th grade the following school year and live within driving distance of one of the camps. Locations include:
- California: Pasadena; Mountain view
- Florida: Fort Lauderdale; Miami; Palm Beach Gardens
- Georgia: Atlanta
- Illinois: Chicago
- Indiana: Indianapolis
- Michigan: Detroit; Pontiac
- Minnesota: Minneapolis
- Missouri: St. Louis
- Nebraska: Omaha
- Pennsylvania: Philadelphia
- Texas: Addison; Houston; plan
- Washington DC
For 2024, each boot camp will take place over three weeks on November 2, 9 and 16 and host 20 to 25 students. Teachers are made up of volunteers from local businesses and corporations. Previously, AI experts from Walmart and McDonald’s were among them.
“It’s not so much that we’re bridging the gaps in the education world, but we recognize that educating kids about modern technology is not the forte of most public schools. We’re breaking down as many barriers as possible.” are doing to give their students the opportunity to learn about AI and actually use the technology to create applications that solve problems in their everyday lives,” says Cuban. Is.
Many universities have taken a similar approach to teaching about the rapidly growing field of AI. Schools like Columbia, Caltech, and the University of Houston offer AI bootcamps. And even companies like Google and IBM have ways to learn AI subjects, for example instant engineering, online. But, many offerings are price-based and largely entirely virtual.
Cuba’s Emphasis on Education
This is not Cuba’s first foray into education. For years, he has been vocal about making college more affordable and reducing the burden on students—especially when it comes to student loan debt.
In 2014, he launched the US Student Loan Debt Clock (it currently reads more than $2.1 trillion — more than credit card and auto loan debt combined). Most recently, he expressed his support for President Joe Biden’s initial proposal to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt per borrower.
But above all, Cuban has noted that getting a liberal arts education — and applying it to the world of technology — can be extremely valuable.
“AI needs to teach about the world as it happens and give different perspectives on the output of models. So try to find ways to apply your liberal arts education to AI. , and I think you’re going to be worth more than people expect,” he notes.
AI is widely expected to change the nature of the workforce in the coming years, with some jobs likely to be replaced and many filled by new technologies. According to the IMF, about 60 percent of jobs in the modern economy could be affected by AI.
Cuba’s boot camp hopes to play a role in preparing students for future school and jobs.
“I hope students will use their new skills to innovate, create, and ultimately disrupt industries,” Cuban says. “The goal is for them to apply what they’ve learned to building successful businesses and solving problems in their communities. And we hope the camp is just the beginning of their AI journey and learning.” Will continue.