For the fourth consecutive year, Perficient has partnered with the Mark Cuban Foundation to offer free AI Bootcamps to underserved high school students across the United States. Held over the first three Saturdays of November, this initiative works to inspire the next generation of leaders in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, providing them with hands-on training and experience to succeed in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Expanding Reach to Seven U.S. Cities
This year, we proudly expanded our partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation by hosting AI Bootcamps in seven cities: Dallas, Houston, Detroit, St. Louis, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Fargo, North Dakota. The impact of this program has continued to grow each year, with more students seeking to participate in this hands-on exploration of AI tools and applications. More than 260 high school students applied to participate in a Perficient AI Bootcamp this year.
Participating students explored a broad range of AI concepts, including the ethical implications of AI systems. They examined concerns about fairness, transparency, privacy, and accountability in AI technologies, as well as the societal impacts of AI, such as biases in algorithms and potential consequences on employment and personal freedoms. This exploration gave students a deeper understanding of the need for responsible AI development and thoughtful consideration of its societal effects. One unique part of the curriculum was the ability for students to choose from specialized AI learning tracks such as healthcare, business development, and sports science, which allowed them to explore AI within areas of their own personal interest. As the program concluded, students used their newfound skills and worked in groups to present AI-based solutions to real-world challenges.
Empowering Students Through Mentorship
Throughout the AI Bootcamps, Perficient employees played a crucial role in helping students navigate both the technical and collaborative aspects of AI. More than 100 Perficient colleagues volunteered to be mentors at this year’s AI Bootcamps and guided students through the learning process. These mentors drew on their professional experiences to provide valuable insights into how AI is applied in real-world settings, helping students understand the practical uses of AI technology.
Along with providing technical expertise, mentors helped develop key soft skills to help students build camaraderie within their small groups. Working together on complex AI projects can be challenging, and Perficient mentors facilitated collaboration by encouraging teamwork and effective communication. They emphasized the importance of problem-solving, sharing ideas, and learning from one another to foster a cooperative environment.
Mentors and Volunteers Reflect on Their AI Bootcamp Experiences
We reached out to a few of our colleagues to hear about their experiences from this year’s bootcamps. Check out the valuable insights shared by our mentors and volunteers across the company!
Houston is so proud to be a 3rd-time host for the Mark Cuban AI boot camp. We continue to be blown away by how quickly these young people are at absorbing and adopting cutting-edge technology concepts. I always love witnessing their fast-paced collaboration and the creative and impressive capstone projects that emerge on the final day! It’s been a fun ride – I’m looking forward to next year!
– Renu Hall, Director – Houston
The AI bootcamp in Fargo was an amazing experience. We loved seeing participants grow from curious newcomers to confident creators. It’s exciting to see the next generation of innovators right here in our community!
– Katie Wilson, Technical Architect – Fargo
The kids in our Atlanta bootcamp were just incredible. We were blown away by how quickly they grasped fundamental AI concepts and then rocketed through the practical exercises. In addition to sheer smarts, the kids showed such maturity in working collaboratively in teams on their own AI-centered solution pitches. I’m confident I can speak for the whole mentor crew in saying how grateful we are to have been able to spend time with such a smart and creative group of kids.
– Lisa Hunter, Director – Atlanta
Perficient’s Minneapolis office turned up the fun dial, hosting a Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp that brought a dozen bright young minds together for an unforgettable AI adventure! Picture this: mountains of gummy bears, endless slices of pizza, and a whirlwind of learning that expanded students’ understanding of artificial intelligence. Professionals from a variety of fields journeyed from places as far-flung as Eau Claire (and beyond!) to team up over three consecutive Saturdays. Together, they planned, mentored, and inspired the next generation of AI trailblazers across the Twin Cities region. It was a feast of innovation, teamwork, and—of course—candy-fueled creativity!
– Greg Greenwood, Director – Minneapolis
Looking Ahead
Perficient is committed to advancing STEM education in our communities, and our mentors helped students develop key professional skills that will serve them as they move forward in their careers. By fostering collaboration, teamwork, and presentation skills, our mentor’s ensured students were well-prepared to succeed in the AI Bootcamp and beyond.
With nearly 7,000 colleagues worldwide, our award-winning partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation to host AI Bootcamps reflects our commitment to mentor and inspire future leaders in AI and technology. We are proud to have closed out our fourth successful year of partnership and are looking forward to growing our involvement even further in 2025.
