It’s definitely worth taking an AI class as a high school student! Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field with numerous applications and career opportunities.
Learning AI early on can significantly benefit future academic and professional endeavors. For example, teens are in the prime of their mental maturation and often find new skills more accessible to master than adults. That should make it easier for them to transition into this exciting field.
Just as importantly, artificial intelligence is one of the most in-demand career fields right now. As a result, teenagers trying to join this field should get started right now to build the foundational knowledge they need to thrive in this profitable market. Teenagers interested in classes should have plenty of unique opportunities both inside and outside school. By utilizing these resources, they can prepare themselves for a rewarding and unforgettable career.
Learning AI in High School
Many high schools now offer computer science courses, including AI, as part of their curriculum. These classes typically cover the basics of programming, machine learning, and data analysis. If a teen’s school offers such courses, enrolling in them can provide a strong foundation in AI. Additionally, joining after-school programs or clubs focused on AI and robotics can further enhance a teenager’s learning experience and solidify their AI knowledge.
Often, these classes focus on a fun, project-based format. Teens craft attractive artificial intelligence models that highlight their skills and let employers know what they can do. Just as importantly, these courses move teenagers through varying skill levels by focusing on different tiers and abilities. By building their capabilities this way, teens fascinated by artificial intelligence can work up to a better college or professional career after graduating high school.
AI Courses Available Outside of High School
Beyond high school, teenagers can choose from several different training options. Often, these provide a great alternative to in-school learning because more skilled professors lead them or include a more in-depth schedule. They’re especially useful for high school students who don’t have easy access to computer science courses in their facility. Here are the three most popular options for teenagers who want to learn artificial intelligence outside their school:
- Private Schools: Though these will cost a little more than public school courses, private classes often provide many unique benefits. Typically, they have smaller classes taught by a skilled expert who fully understands artificial intelligence and other important subjects. Just as importantly, they may include payment plans and other great amenities.
- Dual Enrollment Opportunities: Students who live close to a college or university can easily sign up for dual enrollment. These courses let them earn both high school and college credits, which can make it easier for them to graduate early. Even better, they often include specialized courses that make education even easier to finish.
- Bootcamps: Numerous online platforms and bootcamps offer comprehensive AI courses. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses from beginner to advanced levels, often taught by industry experts. NextGen Bootcamps, in particular, offer tailored programs for high school students, providing hands-on experience.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. Though it’s not exactly a new development, recent advancements in artificial intelligence have pushed it even more to the forefront to make it a powerful career for people ready to jump into this ever-growing industry. AI is used in various fields, such as:
- Coding and Software Development: Artificial intelligence focuses on automating repetitive tasks and letting people focus on more creative elements. For coders, this means they can worry about the big picture and use AI to craft the basic code. In this way, they can center their skills on improving software functionalities and keeping it running smoothly.
- Data Science: Data scientists have been demanding better AI processes for years to help make analyzing large datasets easier. Thankfully, the release of various high-quality options makes it easier than ever to extract meaningful insights from large banks of data. Even better, many data scientists master AI coding to make this collection even easier and more efficient.
- Marketing: Marketers can use AI when personalizing customer experiences and optimizing marketing strategies. For instance, they can use it to collect customer data quickly and efficiently. After that, they can automate marketing campaigns, such as setting up content release schedules and other important tasks that AI can handle with ease.
- Filmmaking: Filmmakers have spent the last 50 years using technology to streamline their productions. For example, artificial intelligence may help enhance visual effects and automate editing processes. That’s a huge advantage, one that could produce better work and cut back on the obscenely high filming costs most movies produce in today’s film industry.
- Healthcare: Over the years, AI has proved its worth in the healthcare field. It’s been used to assist in making medical diagnoses and creating personalized treatments. Furthermore, it can help users better understand their health problems and manage them more efficiently. That’s a significant advantage, one that makes artificial intelligence a strong tool.
Benefits of Learning AI for High School Students
Learning AI is a powerful way for teens to take their careers to the next level. Those who want to make great money and join the tech field need to master this skill set. It’s particularly critical for those who want to jump into this fledgling market early: joining now gives teens a better chance of jumping into the forefront. In this way, studying AI is hugely beneficial thanks to its:
- Ease of Use: Modern AI tools and frameworks are designed to be user-friendly, making them accessible even for beginners. Though mastering the most complex elements of AI design isn’t simple per se, it’s become easier than ever to jump into the field. Teens with a basic understanding of Python and other skills make this an even easier field to join.
- Transferable Coding Skills: Learning AI involves programming, which is a valuable skill across many industries. Even if teens end up falling out of the artificial intelligence industry or decide to move on, they can use coding languages like Java, Python, R, and SQL to transition into other tech-related fields that might fascinate them.
- College Support: AI knowledge can strengthen college applications and prepare students for advanced coursework in computer science and related fields. For example, AI is a powerful tool that can help teenagers not only research for their papers better but fact-check important concepts and improve their overall university experience.
- Potential Careers: AI skills are highly sought after, opening up career opportunities in software development, data science, robotics, and more. These are some of the highest-earning jobs in the tech market right now, which makes them a powerful and fascinating opportunity for teenagers who are fascinated by artificial intelligence.
Related Skills for Teens to Learn Alongside AI
Artificial intelligence is not a singular skill. In fact, it requires teenagers to master multiple concepts and ideas that improve their overall knowledge and proficiency. These concepts are diverse and include important theories and practical steps that make it very challenging to completely master. That said, teenagers who start with these basic skills and work their way up should have little difficulty understanding artificial intelligence on a deeper level:
- Programming Languages: Proficiency in languages like Python, R, and Java is essential for AI development. Python is used to create the framework for many types of databases and AI tools, which makes it essential for this career. R is a useful data language, while Java makes it easier to share information online or create AI models for various websites.
- Mathematics and Statistics: A strong understanding of algebra, calculus, and statistics is crucial for building AI models. For example, teenagers need to understand how to use statistical analysis and planning to craft databases with better control. Algebra and calculus can help when handling more complex calculations using large reams of information, like population statistics.
- Data Science: Skills in data manipulation and analysis complement AI learning. For example, most AI models use large collections of data to make decisions and craft sentences and responses. Understanding how to handle these extensive databases should make it easier for teens to understand foundational AI skills and make it easier to handle various steps.
- Ethics in AI: Understanding the ethical implications of AI ensures responsible use of the technology. For example, teens need to know what ideas are not safe to use and how to avoid improper data sharing. Just as importantly, they need to understand concepts like language modeling and how to provide users with safe information.
- Cloud Computing: Knowledge of cloud platforms is important for deploying and scaling AI models. A growing number of companies are shifting their coding and development into the cloud, meaning that it’s more important than ever to understand. Placing AI tools in this environment makes them easier to utilize and streamlines potential confusion that users might otherwise experience.
Jobs Teens Can Get with AI Skills
AI skills can lead to various career paths in a multitude of fields. These include jobs in artificial intelligence and beyond, including careers that might surprise many teens. Put simply, taking these courses should make it easier for teenagers to enhance their knowledge, build excellent skills, and become more skilled in many fields. A few jobs that might require AI understanding include the following high-earning and popular roles:
- AI Developer: An AI Developer focuses on building and implementing AI models and applications. They understand not only how to program artificial intelligence tools but ways to use them efficiently. That’s a great career that could be particularly high-earning.
- Data Scientist: As a Data Scientist, teens would use artificial intelligence models when analyzing data and building predictive models. Statisticians, in particular, love AI tools because they sort through thousands or even millions of data points in their careers.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers can use AI when developing algorithms and systems that enable machines to learn. Machine learning is a critical part of artificial intelligence, and using it properly can significantly enhance models.
- AI Researcher: An AI Researcher uses various tools to conduct research to advance AI technologies. For example, they might find better ways to use LLMs or other AI models by streamlining their operation, improving data collection, and other important steps.
- AI Consultant: Advising businesses on how to integrate AI into their operations, AI consultants are a new career model that’s becoming more and more popular and particularly high-earning. It’s a strong option for teens fascinated by artificial intelligence.
NextGen Bootcamp Courses in AI
NextGen Bootcamps offers several specialized programs for high school students that focus on building critical programming skills and other essential subjects. In their hands-on courses, teenagers make a strong portfolio of work they can share with others. Furthermore, they will work in small classes that take only two weeks to finish, giving teens plenty of time to enjoy their summer. These programs can transform a high school student’s life in many powerful ways.
Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Program NYC
Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Program NYC is a two-week program at NextGen’s New York City facility. Here, teens will get hands-on experience with a professor who profoundly understands AI and its complex scope. They’ll get the chance to build real-world projects, practice with important data concepts, and even craft fascinating and compelling automated data tools. It’s an excellent course for teens who want to thrive in AI.
Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Live Online
Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Live Online helps teens living outside The Big Apple get the AI and machine learning training needed to start this career. It covers the same subjects found in the in-person course but uses a live, online setup that makes learning even more accessible. Even students in NYC might find this approach preferable because they don’t have to fight through heavy traffic and can learn at home without any distractions.
AP AI Courses and College Classes for Teens
Although there might not be specific AP AI courses, AP Computer Science and related programs can provide a strong foundation in AI-related skills. These classes prepare students for college-level coursework, enhance college applications, and provide a competitive edge in finding internships and starting careers in AI. Many universities offer robust AI and computer science degrees that include a variety of fascinating benefits for high school students, such as:
- Comprehensive Coursework: The best AI college classes for teens cover multiple subjects and provide comprehensive coursework covering almost everything in the field. From basic computing ideas to more advanced data modeling, college and prep courses in artificial intelligence give teens the hands-on help they need.
- Research Opportunities: Taking AI programs helps teenagers get hands-on experience with high-powered computers and hardware that costs thousands of dollars. Getting into the nitty gritty of artificial intelligence like this will ensure that teens get the best experience possible and make it easier to transition into a high-earning career.
- Internships: These programs provide a solid foundation in AI's theoretical and practical aspects, further preparing students for advanced studies and careers. Completing a prep or college course program should make it easier for teens to join an internship. Internships also build social connections and improve a teen’s employability.
Taking an AI class as a high school student is a valuable investment in the future. Whether through in-school courses, online platforms, or specialized bootcamps like those offered by NextGen, there are numerous ways to start a journey in AI. Embracing the opportunity to learn about this exciting field lets teens prepare for success in the rapidly evolving world of technology. In a world where AI is becoming even more important, training is vital to get right.