Boys & Girls Clubs Teens Present Real-World and AI-Powered Projects to PPG’s Industry Leaders
Friday’s Showcase Concludes the 7th Annual Artificial Intelligence Pathways Institute Program
Pittsburgh, PA- Following their participation in a summer intensive program that introduces Pittsburgh area teenagers to the power, promise, and ethical implications of artificial intelligence, 80 students from four of Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania’s (BGCWPA) teen center locations presented their projects to industry professionals from PPG’s Global IT team during the annual AI Student Showcase on Friday in Downtown Pittsburgh.
“AI is increasingly present in today’s job roles, making it more important than ever to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand, adapt, responsibly utilize and lead with emerging technologies. By investing in education programs for the next generation of innovators and leaders, we’re not just preparing students for the future, we’re empowering them to shape it,” said Bhaskar Ramachandran, PPG vice president and chief information officer. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with BGCWPA, bringing valuable educational resources to Pittsburgh-area students while giving our employees the opportunity to help students apply their learnings through a real-world lens.”
Launched seven years ago as a partnership between BGCWPA and PPG, the Artificial Intelligence Pathways Institute (AIPI) program focuses on AI education, modern computing, and programming, empowers students to solve real world problems using AI, connects students to mentors working at PPG, and encourages conversation on both the benefits and issues involving AI technology.
“As a teenager living in western PA, there’s never really been much for kids to do during the summer. When I found out about AIPI, I asked my mom to sign me up. When I first came, I was shy and nervous to meet new people,” said AIPI participant and BGCWPA McKeesport Club Teen member Laneare Mitchell. “Still, AIPI helped me learn new skills like generating images, fixing games, and improving social skills, helping me to make new friends. If I could ever recommend something for teens to do, it would be AIPI.”
This year, high school students participated in the AIPI program at BGCWPA’s Clubhouses in Aliquippa, McKeesport, Downtown Pittsburgh, and Shadyside. PPG and the PPG Foundation have been integral partners since the inception of the program in 2019, helping to refine the curriculum each year to ensure it aligns with the ever-evolving AI landscape and investing in program stipends to limit decisions between part-time jobs and this meaningful career learning opportunity for participants. Over the last seven years, more than 500 students have graduated from the program.
“AI presents both tremendous opportunities and challenges in the classroom, in workplaces, and in everyday life. Students in BGCWPA’s nationally recognized AIPI program have the chance to utilize AI to improve their own communities, build relationships with mentors in the field, and learn cutting-edge technology that places them on a path toward success in future careers with family-thriving wages,” said Christopher Watts, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. “We are grateful to PPG and the PPG Foundation for recognizing the importance of investing in a strong future workforce for our region, especially in communities that may lack access to this type of experience.”
Friday’s showcase provided an opportunity for students to present their AI-driven music and fashion projects to a judging panel as part of the culminating competition and share their research and recommendations on AI ethics and policy. Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor and staff from the Office of United States Senator Dave McCormick attended the showcase.