MSU’s new initiative will train high school students to build AI models

Artificial Intelligence education continues to expand in U.S. high schools, with Mississippi State University (MSU) leading a new initiative to teach students how to develop AI systems for image analysis, supported by a substantial National Science Foundation grant.

Program Overview and Funding: A $1.2 million National Science Foundation grant is enabling Mississippi State University to launch an innovative extracurricular program focused on AI and machine learning education.

• The program will partner with 15 high school teachers to train 60 students in AI development
• Students will learn to prepare image data, train machine learning models, and develop intelligent vision systems
• The grant provides funding for three years of programming, including summer camps and semester projects

Educational Context: Mississippi’s push for AI education builds upon the state’s broader commitment to technology education in public schools.

• A 2021 state law mandated computer science education in all public schools by 2024-25
• MSU’s Center for Cyber Education has already trained over 1,500 teachers in computer science education
• The initiative responds to real workforce demands, with Mississippi reporting over 2,100 open computing jobs in 2021

Program Structure and Goals: The initiative emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application of AI technologies.

• Students will attend summer camps and create smart devices with image analysis capabilities each semester
• The program focuses on teaching students to be creators rather than just consumers of AI technology
• Participants will learn about AI limitations, vulnerabilities, and biases in image classification models

Technical Applications: Image analysis AI, the focus of the program, has widespread practical applications across industries.

• Medical imaging for disease identification
• Satellite image analysis for geographic information
• Object detection for autonomous vehicle navigation
• Computer vision systems for various industrial applications

Broader Impact: The program aims to create lasting educational resources and contribute to nationwide computer science education efforts.

• Researchers will track learning outcomes and gather student feedback to develop curriculum guides
• The resulting materials will be made available to STEM educators across the country
• The initiative aligns with a growing national trend, as 11 states now require computer science for high school graduation

Looking Forward: This program represents a significant step in preparing students for an AI-driven future, though its success will largely depend on how effectively it can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application while ensuring inclusive access to AI education across diverse student populations.