Grades 8-12 | Tri-state Area | 2026-2027 Season
Interested in participating as an organizational partner
Please Contact: haoyun.feng@arcknow.com
Overview
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries ranging from healthcare to environmental science. In this intensive learning program, students will
- Learn foundational AI concepts, Python programming, and AI applications in climate science through guided, hands-on labs.
- Build and present innovation projects to professors and industry leaders at the Innovation Project Demo Day in May 2027.
- Organize and lead student innovation clubs with guidance from expert mentors.
- Participate in advanced workshops led by university faculty and industry leaders on emerging topics in AI and technology.
Python coding lab visualizing land cover categories across the globe.
Mission statement
Making advanced technologies accessible to young learners through engaging, memorable educational experiences that foster curiosity and lifelong learning.
Formats
- The program is organized through Student Innovation Clubs for grades 8–12 in Tri-state area.
- Each club may have up to 10 student members and must designate at least one Student Facilitator.
- Student Facilitators must be enrolled in grades 8–12 and participate in a three-day, in-person training program (see details) held at locations across the Tri-State Area between August 2026 and February 2027.
- Throughout the season, each club will develop an innovation project, receive guidance from an expert mentor, and showcase the work at the Innovation Project Demo Day in May 2027.
- The Innovation Project Demo Day will also feature advanced workshops led by experts.
- The Club Member Package includes six learning modules, with each module containing:
- Python coding labs
- Homework assignments with solutions
- Instructional slide decks
- Student learning handbook
- Materials for one outdoor activity session
- Project development resources and mentorship support
About the Instructor
Dr. Haoyun Feng received her Ph.D. in Computer Science in 2015. She is dedicated to advancing AI education and making cutting-edge knowledge accessible to everyone. Before founding her AI research and education organization, Arcknow, she served as Director of AI Science and Senior AI Engineer at a Fortune 20 company. She is currently the Founder of Arcknow and a member of the Global Center for Health Equity at the University of Michigan.
Innovation Project Demo Day Panel
Dr. Yang Yang, Assistant Professor, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame
Dr. Geoffrey Siwo, Research Professor, Medical School, University of Michigan
Dr. Verrah Otiende, Schmidt Sciences Fellow at the University of Michigan, Assistant Professor of Data Science at USIU-Africa
Youth program advisor
John Houston, President,
Hudson Valley Youth Robotics Inc.
Student Facilitator training – Founding Cohort: Aug, 2026
Student Facilitator Three-day Training Schedule8/17/2026, 9:30AM – 3:30PM8/18/2026, 9:30AM – 3:30PM8/19/2026, 9:30AM – 3:30PM
Location: Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583- Max number of students: 25
- Note: Students should bring a laptop to class
Through hands-on coding labs and real-world case studies, students will learn the fundamentals of AI and Python programming while building three practical AI applications that address climate and environmental challenges.
Upon completing the training, students will be eligible to lead student innovation clubs and develop projects under the guidance of AI mentors. Participants will also be invited to showcase their work at the Innovation Demo Day in May 2027, presenting their projects to university faculty and industry professionals while attending talks and workshops led by experts in AI and emerging technologies.
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Mentor Sign-up
Mentor Commitment: Approximately two hours of virtual meetings to support one student club as they develop AI innovation projects and Demo Day presentations
Interested in Participating as an Organizational Partner
Please contact: haoyun.feng@arcknow.com
Arcknow 
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