AI Foundations:

• Programming: You can write Python programs using variables, loops, functions, and classes, and work with lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets. You should be comfortable reading an error message and fixing your own code.

• Math: Algebra II or equivalent, including comfort with functions and basic algebraic reasoning. Vectors and matrices are helpful but not required — we teach what you need.

• No AI background required: That is what this track is for. If you have already taken a machine learning course, apply to AI Research instead.

Students typically reach this level through high school computer science classes in Python, AP Computer Science Principles or A, or equivalent self-directed work.

AI Research:

• Programming: You are comfortable in Python beyond the basics. You have used libraries such as NumPy or pandas, you can read library documentation and work out an unfamiliar function on your own.

• Math: Precalculus or equivalent. You should be comfortable with vectors, matrices, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Calculus is helpful but not required.

• Machine learning background: You should already be able to explain what training data is, what it means for a model to overfit, and roughly how a model learns from data — and you should have trained at least one model yourself, even a simple one.

Students typically reach this level through a college-level introductory machine learning course, an AP or advanced high school CS course that covers ML, a well-known online introductory ML course, or substantial self-directed project work.

Both tracks are academically rigorous and built for motivated students exploring AI at a university level. Expect a fast-paced environment that rewards problem-solving, critical thinking, and active participation. AI Research is the more demanding of the two, and assumes students can work independently on an open problem.

Yes. Many students start with Foundations and apply to AI Research in a later summer once they have the background for it.

No. Both tracks are in-person and non-residential. Students are responsible for their own housing, transportation, and meals.

All tuition payments are non-refundable. Special considerations may be made only in cases with documented catastrophic events. No refund is given in the event of dismissal or voluntary departure from the program at any time. If the program must be cancelled or switched to remote instruction, the GenAI Center will determine whether a refund is given, and the center will not profit from such disruptions.