There are several programs and initiatives in the United States that focus on educating children about Artificial Intelligence (AI). These programs are designed to introduce kids to AI concepts, programming, robotics, and data science in an engaging and age-appropriate manner. Here are some notable programs:

1. AI4ALL

• Overview: AI4ALL is a nonprofit organization that aims to increase diversity and inclusion in AI by providing education and mentorship to high school students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. The program includes summer camps, AI curricula, and access to a network of AI professionals.
• Programs: AI4ALL offers summer programs at top universities like Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and the University of California, Berkeley. These programs cover various AI topics, including machine learning, computer vision, and ethics in AI.

2. Code.org

• Overview: Code.org is a well-known nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science education, with a particular focus on K-12 students in the United States. While Code.org covers a broad range of computer science topics, it has specific initiatives aimed at introducing AI concepts.
• Programs: Code.org offers free, online courses that include AI-related lessons, such as “AI for Oceans,” which teaches basic AI principles through interactive activities. Their courses are designed for different age groups, making them accessible to both younger children and teenagers.

3. MIT Media Lab’s Scratch

• Overview: Scratch is a visual programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab, designed to help children create interactive stories, games, and animations. While not exclusively focused on AI, Scratch provides a foundation in coding and computational thinking that can be applied to AI.
• Programs: Scratch is used in schools and after-school programs across the country to teach coding. Through Scratch, children can explore basic AI concepts, such as decision-making and pattern recognition, by creating their own projects.

4. Cognimates

• Overview: Cognimates is an open-source AI education platform developed by the MIT Media Lab that allows children to create and train AI models, build games, and program robots. It’s designed to be accessible to young learners, helping them understand AI and machine learning in a hands-on way.
• Programs: Cognimates is often used in classrooms and after-school programs. The platform is designed for children aged 7 and up, making it a great tool for introducing AI concepts at an early age.

5. ReadyAI

• Overview: ReadyAI provides AI education programs and curricula for K-12 students, focusing on accessible and engaging ways to teach AI. Their approach includes hands-on learning with AI robots, coding, and project-based activities.
• Programs: ReadyAI offers AI learning kits that include AI-powered robots like “Cozmo” and “Vector,” as well as curriculum guides for educators. They also host AI tournaments and summer camps where students can showcase their AI projects.

6. Google’s AI Experiments and Teachable Machine

• Overview: Google’s AI Experiments platform offers a variety of interactive projects that introduce AI concepts in a playful and educational way. Teachable Machine, specifically, allows kids to train their own AI models using images, sounds, or poses.
• Programs: While not a structured program, Google’s AI Experiments and Teachable Machine are widely used in classrooms and workshops to help children understand how AI works through direct interaction and experimentation.

7. FIRST Robotics

• Overview: FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization that designs accessible, innovative programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills in students while fostering self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
• Programs: The FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST LEGO League include AI and machine learning components where students program robots to complete tasks autonomously. These competitions and programs are available to students from elementary school through high school.

8. Girls Who Code

• Overview: Girls Who Code is a national nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology by educating and inspiring girls to pursue careers in computer science. While their programs cover a wide range of topics, AI is increasingly becoming a part of their curriculum.
• Programs: Girls Who Code offers after-school clubs and summer immersion programs where AI and machine learning are included in the broader context of coding and computer science education.

9. Microsoft AI for Good Challenge

• Overview: The AI for Good Challenge by Microsoft is an educational program that encourages students to think creatively about how AI can be used to solve real-world problems. The program is geared towards middle and high school students.
• Programs: Students participate in challenges where they use AI tools provided by Microsoft to develop projects that address issues like climate change, health, and humanitarian needs. This program combines AI education with social impact.

10. AI4K12 Initiative

• Overview: The AI4K12 Initiative is a joint effort by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) to develop national guidelines for teaching AI in K-12 education.
• Programs: The initiative provides resources, including lesson plans and curricula, to help educators introduce AI concepts in classrooms. While this is more of a framework for schools, it’s being adopted across the country to standardize AI education for children.

Conclusion

These programs represent a broad spectrum of opportunities for children in the United States to learn about AI. They range from interactive games and coding platforms to more structured educational programs and national initiatives. By participating in these programs, children can gain a strong foundation in AI, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to navigate and contribute to an increasingly AI-driven world.