This summer, OLSH was pleased to host Inspirit AI, a rigorous 30-hour program that immersed students in the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence. From June 16–27, students in grades 8 through 12 came together on campus to explore how AI works—and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.

Led by graduates from Stanford and MIT, the program combined expert instruction with hands-on, project-based learning. Students developed and coded functional applications such as unbiased chatbots and exoplanet detection models, all while gaining a strong foundation in AI concepts, tools, and ethics.

“The first week, we learned AI vernacular and core concepts,” said Bailey Ye ‘25, who will begin studying architecture at Carnegie Mellon University this fall. “The second week was dedicated to ethical issues and the societal impact of AI, and group projects focused on a specific AI challenge.”

The course highlighted the wide-ranging potential of artificial intelligence — and the value of engaging with it early. “I was surprised to learn how truly ‘intelligent’ these systems can become,” Bailey said. “This experience opened my eyes to the possibilities of AI implementation and how it could support my personal interests and assist in my major.”

The program wasn’t just about coding. It pushed students to think critically about the ethical responsibilities that come with AI and how these technologies can serve the common good. From technical skills to real-world problem-solving, students gained experience that will serve them well beyond high school.

“I would definitely recommend it to other students,” Bailey reflected, as it would broaden their perspectives on how they can be engaged with AI at the high school level and prompt for their own development and success not only in high school and college, but maybe even beyond."