AI Bootcamp — Fort Wayne

For 9th–12th graders

The 2025 Bootcamp has concluded. For details about the 2026 opportunities - for students or sponsorships, please join the mailing list or get involved in our AI in FW Community.

The 2025 Bootcamps have concluded. For details about the 2026 opportunities - for students, or to get involved, please join the mailing list.

Nov 1, 8 & 15

Mentor Ops

2025 Bootcamp

Bootcamp Details

About the Bootcamp

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

We’re able to offer this program at no cost to students thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. To get involved, visit the sponsor page.

Program Details:

Dates: 3 Saturdays in November

Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: AMP Lab at Electric Works,
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Cost: Free

What’s Included:

✓ Lunch, Snack and Water each day

✓ All Technology needs provided

✓ Mentors on-site

✓ Transportation assistance (if needed)

✓ Accessibility accommodations

Additional Info:

Seats are limited
Students must apply; not all applicants will be selected
Participant selection and application processing is handled by the Mark Cuban Foundation

Who Can Apply?

High school students 9th-12th grade in public or alternative education
Must live within 50 miles of Fort Wayne’s outer city limits

Applications Open and Deadline for 2026 To Be Announced

The Mark Cuban Foundation handles accepting and handling all applications, and choosing participants based on a standardized selection process that evaluates interest, potential, and alignment with the program’s goals.

Need Help Applying?

If you need support with your application, don’t let that stop you—our community mentors are here to help. Just submit an inquiry form, and we’ll connect you with someone to guide you through the process.

Curriculum

The Bootcamp is designed to spark curiosity and build foundational AI literacy for high school students—no prior experience required.

Over the course of three Saturdays, students will engage in a hands-on, mentor-led learning experience that breaks down complex concepts into fun, real-world applications.

What Students Will Learn:

All students will be introduced to the core building blocks of artificial intelligence, including:

Machine Learning
Computer Vision
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Generative AI generators
Ethics & Social Impact

Choose Your Lane of Study

Students will choose a “Lane of Study”—an industry-focused theme that connects AI concepts to real-world applications.

Students are introduced to these options on Day 1 and can select the lane that aligns with their interests:

Healthcare
Sports Science
Arts & Entertainment
Business & Entrepreneurship
Computer Science
Education & Career Readiness

Students explore their chosen lane through hands-on exercises, group discussions, and mini-projects, all guided by volunteer mentors from the community.

Learning Structure

This Bootcamp is a nationally coordinated program hosted in approximately 30 cities across the U.S. All bootcamps run on the same timeline and provide students with a unified, engaging experience—all across the nation.

Instruction Model:

Virtual Lead Instructor
Each session begins with a virtual lesson from a national instructor. These segments introduce core AI concepts in a way that’s clear and engaging.
Teacher Fellow (New in 2025)
This year, each bootcamp site will include a local Teacher Fellow—an educator who helps facilitate learning, connects the curriculum to classroom-style best practices, and supports both mentors and students throughout the program.
Local Volunteer Mentors
After the virtual lesson, students break into small groups led by local volunteer mentors. These mentors help guide students through hands-on activities, discussions, and projects.

This is not a traditional lecture-style classroom setting. The bootcamp is designed to be interactive, exploratory, and supportive, where students learn by doing.

The curriculum and all materials are provided by the Mark Cuban Foundation to ensure a consistent, high-quality learning experience across all bootcamp sites.

Why Apply?

Participating in the AI Bootcamp gives students access to a national community, career exposure, a competitive advantage... and practical, applicable, hands-on AI education and training.

1. Real AI Skills

Students walk away with a solid foundation in AI concepts—skills that are becoming increasingly valuable in nearly every field.

2. Resume & College Applications

Completing this nationally recognized bootcamp is a great addition to any resume or college application. It shows initiative, curiosity, and interest in emerging technologies.

3. Career Exposure

Throughout the program, students learn about how AI is used across a variety of industries, giving them insight into future career paths.

4. No-Cost, High-Quality Learning

Students get access to professional instruction, mentorship, and hands-on experience—all for free. Laptops and materials are provided during sessions, and lunch is included.

5. National Alumni Network

After completing the bootcamp, students become part of the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Alumni Network. This growing community of young, AI-literate leaders includes opportunities for networking, future events, and even career connections down the line.

6. Confidence & Curiosity

Perhaps most importantly, students leave the bootcamp feeling empowered to explore new technologies, ask questions, and pursue opportunities in fields they may not have considered before.

Eligibility

All high school students are welcome to apply, and no prior experience with coding or technology is required.

The only requirements are that you are/were/will be enrolled in a 9-12th grade classroom and that you are within 50 miles of the outer limits of our host city (Fort Wayne).

While the bootcamp is open to all, the Mark Cuban Foundation places a special focus on serving students from underrepresented and underserved communities.

This includes students who may not have access to advanced STEM programs, technology resources, or career exploration opportunities in AI.

AI in FW Community

This initiative was activated and supported by our AI in FW Community. For more information or to get involved, visit www.fortwayne-ai.com.

As a community, we’ve made a conscious choice: we will not simply watch the AI story unfold—we will shape it.

We gather monthly as a diverse and welcoming group to learn and grow together.

Learn More

Main Sponsors

Co-Crafted AI Consultancy Collective

An exclusive AI consultancy collective of AI experts, trustworthy advisors, and passionate AI educators.

www.co-crafted.com

Code Clouds

Delivering innovative and high-

quality solutions that exceed clients’ expectations and help them achieve business goals.

https://www.codeclouds.com/

Bootcamp Details

Eligibility

AI in FW Community

Main Sponsors

Community Sponsors

Coming Soon

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