Now taking applications for the Fort Wayne, IN Mark Cuban AI Bootcamp.

Free For 9-12th Graders
APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 30th

Coming November 2025

About Our Sponsors

We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors—because of their support, the Mark Cuban AI Bootcamp is completely free for students. Their investment is helping unlock life-changing opportunities for the next generation of innovators.

About Co-Crafted

Co-Crafted is an AI consultancy collective helping organizations move from AI curiosity to capability. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, their network of consultants, strategists, and builders helps teams design and deploy responsible, real-world AI solutions.

The Problem They Solve

Many organizations are overwhelmed by AI’s rapid pace and unclear on where (or how) to start. Co-Crafted bridges that gap with strategy, literacy initiatives, and enablement—helping companies move from "dabbling" to success stories.

Who They Serve

Co-Crafted partners with mid-market to enterprise companies that prioritize people. Their human-empowered approach helps forward-thinking teams use AI to elevate—not replace—their workforce.

Code Clouds

Code Clouds is a global tech company with teams around the world—including one based in Fort Wayne, Indiana— offering custom software, eCommerce solutions, and digital development.

The Problem They Solve

Many businesses struggle to turn ideas into working tech. Code Clouds bridges that gap with reliable development support and solutions tailored to complex digital challenges.

Who They Serve

They work with startups, agencies, and enterprises that need flexible, expert development. Code Clouds is a go-to partner for teams ready to grow and innovate online.

About Amp Lab

AMP Lab at Electric Works is a half-day high school program for 11th and 12th grade students within Fort Wayne Community Schools. This FWCS initiative empowers young entrepreneurs to explore their passions through hands-on, real-world learning.

The Problem They Solve

Traditional classrooms don’t always prepare students for the realities of today’s workforce. AMP Lab gives students the freedom, tools, and mentorship to solve real problems, build meaningful projects, and gain the skills they need for future career success.

Who They Serve

AMP Lab serves Fort Wayne Community Schools students who are ready to think beyond textbooks. It’s built for young leaders, makers, and dreamers who want to shape their futures through collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven work.

Apply Now!

The MCF Mission

To increase AI literacy for young people and help create a future where tomorrow’s leaders understand the implications and possibilities of artificial intelligence.

Free for our students thanks to our sponsors.

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: Co-Crafted, Code Clouds, AMP Lab, and 21 Alive Fort Wayne. Their commitment is making a direct impact on the next generation of innovators.

Program Details:

Dates: Saturdays – November 1, 8, and 15

Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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

Cost: Free

What’s Included:

✓ Breakfast and lunch 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 30 miles of Fort Wayne’s outer city limits

✅ Applications are now open – Apply Now

⚠️ Deadline: September 30, 2025

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 25 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.

If you're curious about the future, excited to learn something new, or simply want to explore how AI is shaping the world—we encourage you to join us.

The only requirements are that you are/were/will be enrolled in a 9-12th grade classroom (in the 2025 year) and that you are within 30 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.

If you're not sure whether you “fit the mold,” our advice is to apply.