AI Academy for Grades 9-12: Building the Skills to Shape the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, communicate, create and solve problems. For today's high school students, learning how AI works isn't simply about preparing for a future career. It's an opportunity to understand one of the technologies already reshaping the world around us.

That is the idea behind the AI Academy at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, a flexible, multi-year program designed for students in grades 9–12 who are curious about AI, coding and technology. 

Rather than treating artificial intelligence as a single subject, the academy gives students the opportunity to build skills progressively, moving from foundational programming and mathematics into advanced AI concepts and specialized applications.

From Foundations to Real-World Applications

Students begin by developing the programming and mathematical foundation needed to succeed in AI.

At the next level, students explore the algorithms behind modern AI, including machine learning models and deep neural networks. Importantly, the program connects theory with application, helping students understand not only how AI works but also how the technology interacts with the hardware that makes it possible to operate at scale.

As students progress, they can choose from specialized pathways in Natural Language Processing (NLP), Robotics or Cybersecurity. The NLP track explores how computers understand and generate human language, including modern large language models. Robotics introduces students to intelligent machines, computer vision and autonomous systems, while Cybersecurity combines security principles with AI-powered approaches to detecting and defending against threats.

The final level brings those skills together through an original, instructor-mentored project that students can add to their portfolios. In other words, students don't simply learn about AI: they have opportunities to build with it.

A Flexible Path for Future Innovators

One of the academy's defining features is flexibility. Students don't have to commit to a multi-year program from the beginning. They can take a single course to explore an interest or continue through multiple levels as their skills and interests develop.

That approach recognizes that students arrive with different experiences and goals. One student may already be fascinated by coding and want to dive into advanced AI. Another may be encountering the technology for the first time and want to explore whether it sparks a new interest.

The academy provides a structured pathway while leaving room for students to chart their own journey.

"We're really excited to be launching the AI Academy for high school students," said Jennifer Rowe, program manager for Precollege Programs and Community Outreach at UC San Diego Extended Studies. "This program is a unique offering for students who are both intellectually curious and interested in pursuing courses not typically offered during their regular school day. Each upcoming quarter will present new options for students to enroll in and experience."

Courses also offer opportunities to earn pre-college units, with some courses approved for UC A-G requirements or aligned with Career Technical Education standards. Students who complete the required courses within an academy level can also earn an Award of Completion, creating a documented record of their accomplishments.

Preparing Students for What's Next

For high school students considering college and future careers, AI Academy offers more than just technical skills. It gives students a way to demonstrate initiative, curiosity and sustained engagement with an emerging field.

As students progress through the program, they build a verified record of skills and accomplishments that can support college applications and future professional pursuits. Industry certification preparation courses add another layer of career readiness.

Just as importantly, the academy encourages students to think beyond AI as a single career destination. Artificial intelligence increasingly intersects with fields ranging from software and data science to engineering, robotics and cybersecurity. By exploring different applications, students can begin discovering where their interests and strengths might fit within a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

The goal isn't to predict exactly what the future will look like. It's to give young people the knowledge and confidence to help shape it.

Building What's Next

AI Academy reflects a broader approach to pre-college education at UC San Diego Extended Studies: give students access to meaningful learning experiences, introduce them to emerging fields and create opportunities to apply what they learn.

For students in grades 9–12, that journey can begin with a single course. From there, they can build foundational skills, explore specialized areas, collaborate with technology and ultimately create something of their own.

Artificial intelligence will continue to evolve. The students learning how to understand, question and build with it will evolve along with it.

And they may have a hand in deciding what comes next.

Learn more about AI Academy at UC San Diego Extended Studies.