You may recognize him from his pharmaceutical company or his previous ownership of the Dallas Mavericks, or perhaps from his adept deal-making skills.
However, for numerous students, he is synonymous with enabling them to delve into one of the most crucial contemporary skills: AI.
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This year, high school students across more than 18 cities nationwide will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in AI, including ChatGPT, at no cost through the [ppp1].
“There are currently two categories of companies in the world—those that grasp the essence of AI and those that do not,” Cuban expressed in an email to Fortune.
“I aspire to witness a greater number of young individuals prepared and enthusiastic about delving deeper into AI and contributing to its transformative impact on society. By democratizing AI education, we empower these youths to shape their destinies and make meaningful contributions to the digital economy.”
Advancing Free AI Education Nationwide
Established in 2019, [ppp2] has provided AI training to thousands of students in areas such as [ppp3], natural language processing, and AI ethics.
The criteria for applying to the 2024 bootcamps are straightforward. In fact, no coding or technical expertise is required. Students only need to be in 9th–12th grade in the upcoming school year and reside within a reasonable driving distance of one of the camps. The 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; Plano
- Washington D.C.
In 2024, each bootcamp will span three Saturdays on November 2, 9, and 16, accommodating 20 to 25 students. The instructors comprise volunteers from local businesses and corporations. Previously, AI experts from [ppp4] were part of the program.
“It’s not merely about addressing educational gaps, but recognizing that teaching cutting-edge technologies to kids is not a forte of most public schools. We are eliminating as many obstacles as possible to offer students a practical way to learn about AI and utilize the technology to create applications that address real-life challenges,” Cuban explains.
Numerous universities have adopted similar approaches to educating students about the rapidly evolving field of AI. Institutions like Columbia, Caltech, and the University of Houston provide [ppp5]. Additionally, companies like Google and IBM offer avenues to learn AI topics online. However, the offerings vary in terms of cost and are predominantly virtual.
Cuban’s Focus on Education
Cuban’s involvement in the education sector is not new. Over the years, he has been vocal about making higher education more affordable and alleviating the burden of student loan debt.
In 2014, he launched a ppp6. More recently, he supported President Joe Biden’s initial proposal to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt per borrower.
Above all, Cuban emphasizes the significance of [ppp7] and its application in the tech realm.
“AI education should encompass real-world happenings and offer diverse perspectives on model outcomes. Seek ways to merge your liberal arts education with AI, and you will likely be more valued than anticipated,” he suggests.
The widespread anticipation is that AI will reshape the workforce in the years to come, potentially replacing certain jobs while enhancing many others. According to the [ppp8], approximately 60% of jobs in advanced economies could be influenced by AI.
Cuban’s bootcamp aims to prepare students for the future landscape of education and employment.
“I trust that students will leverage their newfound skills to innovate, create, and ultimately revolutionize industries,” Cuban asserts. “The objective is for them to apply their knowledge to establish successful ventures and address challenges within their communities. We hope the camp serves as just the beginning of their AI journey, encouraging continuous learning and growth.”