This summer, the University of South Florida is reopening its AI and Machine Learning Summer Intensive program for high school students. In five days, teenagers will have time to write their first Python code, work with structured data using the Pandas library, and understand the difference between a deepfake and real video. And programs like this are becoming more common in the US. American universities are massively taking on the work that schools are not yet keeping up with, preparing teachers and students for life in the world of artificial intelligence.
In the 2024 book «The Anxious Generation» by Jonathan Haidt, which is widely discussed among K-12 educators, the author describes how smartphones have led adolescents to a mental health crisis. The educational community does not want to repeat this scenario with technology that interferes even more strongly in adolescent life.
University summer programs offer a variety of options, including: * **Academic courses:** These can be for credit or enrichment, allowing students to get ahead in their studies, explore new subjects, or catch up on coursework. * **Intensive programs:** These often focus on a specific field of study or skill, providing a deep dive into the subject matter. * **Research opportunities:** Students can work alongside faculty on research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. * **Language immersion programs:** These programs focus on intensive language learning in a specific country or setting. * **Pre-college programs:** These are designed for high school students to experience university-level academics and campus life. * **Internships and work experiences:** Some programs combine academic learning with practical work experience in a related field. * **Cultural and travel programs:** These combine learning with exploration of a new city or country. * **Skill-building workshops:** These focus on developing specific skills, such as writing, coding, or public speaking.
In Tampa, the summer intensive is taking place at USF's new division, the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. The college opened in March 2025 and immediately took charge of school programs. College faculty and graduate students lead classes, develop game-based assignments, and interact directly with schoolchildren.
«On the technical side, students are building a strong foundation in data work. They learn Python, gradually moving from basic code to working with structured datasets through tools like Pandas,» says Caryn Preston, assistant director of the Office of Youth Experiences at USF. «Concurrently, we delve into ethical issues related to AI. Hallucinations, deepfakes. A serious emphasis is placed on collaboration, problem-solving, and communication.».
Financial accessibility is not just an empty phrase here. USF has built a partnership with the Hillsborough County School District and local non-profit organizations to make the program accessible to families with limited budgets. This is especially important for immigrant families, for whom paid summer intensives at the university would otherwise be out of reach.
Where do teachers learn to teach AI
School teachers are receiving just as much attention as the students themselves. Back in 2023, immediately after the launch of ChatGPT, Purdue University established an AI Working Group within its College of Education. And in 2024, it launched the Purdue AI in P-12 Education Conference. The abbreviation P-12 here refers to all levels, from kindergarten through high school. The second conference took place in November 2025 and brought together hundreds of teachers.
«Every year, we bring educators together in one place so they can learn from each other,» says William R. Watson, chair of the College of Education AI and Data Science Working Group at Purdue, organizer of the conference. «AI does not guarantee learning. It all depends on how the technology is used. When applied intelligently and ethically, AI becomes a tool that helps educators and students personalize learning and focus on critical thinking.».
Stanford University took a different path. Its AI Hub for Education functions as a neutral research center. School administrators and teachers can access the Research Study Repository, a database of all AI and K-12 research, and find answers to specific questions. The database is updated monthly.
«Most of the innovation is happening in the private sector right now because language models are expensive,» says Chris Agnew, managing director of the hub. «School districts don't have the expertise or the resources to conduct their own research. And that's where the university steps in as a research partner, helping districts figure things out and advancing the conversation about how to improve learning.».
The Stanford approach echoes the recommendation issued by the OECD and the European Commission last year. AI literacy should not function as a standalone course but should permeate the entire school curriculum, from English lessons to natural sciences.
What does this mean for Russian-speaking families in the US and Canada
Summer AI camps and intensives are a real chance for an adolescent emigrant to get acquainted with AI at a serious university level before they get to college. For families where parents grew up in the Soviet system and don't quite understand what an American university summer program is, this can be a real discovery.
This is especially valuable for bilingual teenagers 14-17 years old who are considering a STEM field. The combination of «second language plus strong technical skills» in college applications reads as a very strong profile to American admissions committees. And universities, especially public ones like USF or Purdue, regularly provide financial aid specifically for such a profile.
What parents should check in advance. What programs are available near home, on the websites of nearby universities in the summer programs section. Is there financial aid or partnership with the school district. What level is the program, for which grades. Applications for summer usually open in February-April, so you should plan six months ahead.
What's next
The topic of AI literacy in American schools will only expand, and universities are key partners in this effort. There will be more programs in the coming year, and it makes sense for Russian-speaking families to follow updates on the websites of regional universities.
Based on the materials EdTech Magazinefrom May 4, 2026.
