A partnership between the Mark Cuban Foundation and South Jersey Industries (SJI) is giving high school students in the great Garden State the opportunity to participate in free artificial intelligence (AI) bootcamps.

In November, SJI subsidiaries South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas will each host a bootcamp at their respective offices in Atlantic City and Union.

The trainings will take place Nov. 2, 9, and 16. South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas staff will host and work the sessions.

Some aspects of the program include:

• Custom and relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in AI and generative AI;
• Open to students in grades 9-12 with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend;
• The three-and-a-half-day program will teach students what AI is, and isn’t; where it’s already present in their lives; ethical implications and more;
• Students will learn how to use ChatGPT via tailored inputs as well as use Microsoft’s cloud computing tools to build their own AI applications.

SJI is among more than 25 companies hosting camps across the country. Organizers say the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for the students. Meanwhile, it will educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of AI professionals.

“As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, foundation founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future.”

“We’re excited to work with the Mark Cuban Foundation to provide this STEM-related program to our students,” said Barbara Romano, vice president, IT and chief information officer, SJI, the parent company of South Jersey Gas. “This program is another example of our commitment to developing future leaders in the communities we serve.”

Cuban stressed the bootcamps will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student — no matter their means.

More information on the program and applications is available here.