AI Academy
This flexible, multi-year program prepares high school students to apply AI across today's most impactful technology domains, with specialization tracks in Natural Language Processing (NLP), Robotics, and Cybersecurity.
What is AI Academy?
AI Academy is a unique, comprehensive program designed for high school students (Grades 9-12). The multi-year-learning pathway enables students to build foundational and advanced technology skills through a flexible course sequence.
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM UNIQUE?
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM UNIQUE?
- Hardware-Software Integration
- Many courses UC A-G approved / CTE Standards compliant
- Flexible pathways
- Industry certification preparation courses
- Progressive level completion awards
- Enhances competitive college applications
AN EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Whether you take a single course or complete multiple levels, this program allows you to explore your interests while developing valuable technical skills.
Built for Future Innovators
This program is ideal for students who:
- Are in grades 9–12
- Are curious about AI, coding, or technology
- Want to stand out in college applications
- Are motivated to learn independently
A Smarter Way to Learn AI
- Structured progression over multiple years
- Combines theory with real-world application
- Commit to one course or many
- As students progress, they build a verified track record of skills and accomplishments that helps them stand out in college applications and beyond.
Flexible Pricing That Fits Your Plan
Courses are priced individually:
- 30-hour courses: $400–$600
- Shorter courses available at lower cost
No long-term commitment required.
Your AI Learning Pathway
Students begin with prerequisite courses in programming (Python) and mathematics. Those with prior experience may test out.
Build Your Foundation
Level 1
Develop the foundational programming and mathematical skills needed to succeed in any AI specialization track.
Develop the foundational programming and mathematical skills needed to succeed in any AI specialization track.
Develop Core AI Skills
Level 2
Dive deeper into the algorithms that power modern AI. You'll implement machine learning models, build and train deep neural networks, and connect these concepts to the hardware that makes AI run at scale.
Dive deeper into the algorithms that power modern AI. You'll implement machine learning models, build and train deep neural networks, and connect these concepts to the hardware that makes AI run at scale.
Specialized Topics
Level 3
Choose one specialization track, such as NLP, Robotics, or Cybersecurity, and take on applied, domain-focused courses that prepare you to build real AI systems in the field that interests you most.
Choose one specialization track, such as NLP, Robotics, or Cybersecurity, and take on applied, domain-focused courses that prepare you to build real AI systems in the field that interests you most.
Apply Your Skills
Level 4
Bring it all together in an original, integrative project that is instructor-mentored and portfolio-ready.
Bring it all together in an original, integrative project that is instructor-mentored and portfolio-ready.
Start Your AI Journey Today
Join the first cohort of AI Academy students and begin building skills that will shape your future. Learn more about the select programs.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
The Natural Language Processing track teaches students how computers understand and generate human language, from the fundamentals of machine learning to modern large language models like GPT. Using Python and industry-standard AI tools, students build intelligent language applications while preparing for careers and certifications in AI, software, and data science.
Robotics
The Robotics track teaches students to design intelligent machines that can sense, reason, and act using AI, computer vision, and autonomous systems. Working with industry-standard hardware and software, students build real-world robots while preparing for careers and certifications in robotics, AI, and engineering.
Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity track prepares students to defend modern digital systems by combining core security principles with AI-powered threat detection and defense. Through hands-on experience with professional security tools and frameworks, students develop the skills needed for cybersecurity careers and industry certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students receive one pre-college unit per 10 hours of instruction (i.e., 30 hours = 3 units). Some participating high school locations accept these units to serve as elective units on students’ high school transcripts potentially being applied to high school graduation requirements. Contact your school counselor to confirm unit acceptance PRIOR to enrolling in the courses. In addition, some higher education institutions may accept these units as transferable units to be applied to undergraduate requirements. Please contact the institution as to specific guidelines on unit transfers. Students can request official transcripts from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies to include in college applications and for professional pursuits.
Visit UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies website and click Order Your Transcript. Login with your student account credentials and follow the step-by-step prompts. If you have questions during this process, please contact Student Services at (858) 534-3400, option 3.
Students enroll directly through the AI Academy website. Upon choosing a course within one of the program offerings, add the course to your cart and select your grading preference. Read and accept the terms and conduct policies to move forward with checkout. If you have a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies student account, login to process your enrollment. If you do not have a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies student account, create a new account here, then login with your new credentials. Follow the above steps until enrollment and payment is processed. If you have questions during this process, please contact Student Services at (858) 534-3400.
Once students have completed the prerequisites, students may choose electives and other courses they are interested in.
Once students have completed the required courses within an AI Academy level, students need to request an audit of their completion status by emailing precollege@ucsd.edu. A UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies staff member will complete the audit and contact Extended Studies' Student Services team to process the Award of Completion. Awards of Completion will be mailed directly to the address listed in the student account.
Students are required to earn a C- or higher to receive credit for a course and apply the course toward the requirement to earn an award of completion.
