AI High: A New Frontier in Education

July 19, 2024, 9:42 am
The Guardian
The Guardian
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Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1821
Total raised: $469.6K
Girl Geek Academy is revolutionizing education with its AI High program, aiming to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and prepare students for the future of technology. Founded in 2014, Girl Geek Academy has been a trailblazer in promoting gender diversity in tech, with initiatives like the world's first all-women hackathon and Microsoft Mondays. Now, with a new CEO at the helm, the organization is embarking on a new chapter with AI High, a program designed to integrate AI education into high school curriculums.

The driving force behind AI High is the recognition of a critical gap in AI and STEM fields, exacerbated by a significant drop in student enrollment in ICT subjects in recent years. This decline not only hinders gender diversity in tech but also poses a threat to the federal government's goal of creating 1.2 million Australian tech jobs by 2030. The Tech Council of Australia has echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for a sustainable program to cultivate a pipeline of young women and non-binary individuals entering the tech industry.

Unlike previous initiatives, AI High aims to be a permanent subject offering for years 10-12, with a focus on inclusivity and community-building. By engaging students in co-design and actively collecting data, Girl Geek Academy is working to tailor the program to meet the diverse needs of different states and school systems. The ultimate goal is to create a pathway to university and beyond, tracking success through metrics like enrollment in computer science and entry into STEM fields.

To support AI High, Girl Geek Academy is calling on principals, teachers, parents, and tech companies to get involved. While the program has received backing from The Telstra Foundation, additional investment is needed to ensure its success. With a long-term vision of preparing students for the digital workforce of the future, AI High represents a bold step towards shaping the next generation of tech leaders.

In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, AI High offers a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. By empowering students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the age of AI, Girl Geek Academy is paving the way for a brighter future where everyone has a seat at the table. As AI continues to reshape the world around us, programs like AI High are essential in ensuring that no voice is left behind in the march towards progress and innovation.