Area high school students attended Mark Cuban’s AI Bootcamp sponsored by South Jersey Gas.
FOLSOM – As part of its commitment to invest in our communities, SJI Utilities welcomed more than 40 local high school students to the Mark Cuban Foundation’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp. Now in its third year at South Jersey Gas, the camp took place over four consecutive Saturdays from Oct. 14-Nov. 4 in Atlantic City. A camp was also held at Elizabethtown Gas.
Founded in 2019, the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp is a free, nationwide initiative offered to high school students interested in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Over the course of four half-day sessions, students learned what artificial intelligence is and where they already interact with AI in their own lives. In addition, students learned the ethical implications of AI systems, including but not limited to TikTok recommendations, smart home assistants, facial recognition, and self-driving cars. Participants also learned how Large Language Models such as ChatGPT function.
In addition, SJI’s Human Resources team hosted a session giving tips on how to build a personal brand, write a resume, and tips for interviewing.
“Each year, we look forward to bringing eager high school students into our facilities to assist them with the Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp. Our employees enjoy serving as mentors to the students as they explore the fascinating world of AI and learn from our team how it applies to the energy industry,” SJI Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Leonard Brinson Jr. said.
Students did not need prior experience in information technology or computer programming to participate.
“I wanted to participate in the AI Bootcamp because AI is the future of our world and is used in a lot of products that help us in our daily lives,” student Shaurya of Parsippany High School said.
Students received instruction from virtual learning modules and then were tasked with applying the lessons in class projects with their peers. On the last day, students had the chance to present their work to the class.
For more information about SJI and its subsidiaries, please visit sjindustries.com.
