How to Evaluate an AI Summer Program

"AI" now appears in the name of a growing number of summer programs, but the actual experiences can be very different.

Before choosing one, look beyond the title and examine what students will actually do. A strong AI summer program should match the student's technical level, provide a clear understanding of the concepts behind the tools, and give students opportunities to apply what they learn. The right program will depend on whether the student wants to understand AI, learn to build with it, explore a particular application, or some combination of the three.

What will students learn?

Look for a concrete curriculum. Does the program cover how AI works—for example, machine learning, neural networks, computer vision, natural-language processing, robotics, data science, generative AI—or does it primarily teach how to use existing AI tools?

Neither approach is necessarily wrong, but they are very different experiences.

How much coding is involved?

Some AI programs require substantial Python experience. Others teach coding from scratch. Others require almost no programming.

Make sure the technical level matches the student's background.

What will students build?

A final project can be one of the most valuable parts of an AI program.

Look for programs where students apply what they learn to a meaningful problem rather than simply following predefined tutorials.

Who teaches the program?

Look at whether instructors are university faculty, graduate students, teachers, industry professionals, or undergraduate counselors, and how much direct interaction students have with them.

Is the curriculum current?

AI is evolving extraordinarily quickly. Look for evidence that the curriculum incorporates current tools and approaches rather than relying entirely on material developed several years ago.

What happens after the program?

A particularly valuable program leaves students capable of continuing independently: building another project, taking a more advanced course, joining a research project, or applying their skills elsewhere.