Entrepreneur extraordinaire Mark Cuban has been bringing artificial intelligence (AI) education to teens since 2019, well before ChatGPT was big news. Cuban, a tech business whiz, “Shark Tank” TV personality and former principal owner of the Dallas Mavericks, says there’s a simple reason his foundation supports free AI bootcamps for young minds.
“Our goal is to ensure that every interested student, regardless of background or resources, can explore AI and its limitless possibilities,” Cuban said in a news release announcing the Philadelphia bootcamp series.
CSL, a longtime supporter of the program, is once again partnering with the Mark Cuban Foundation to bring the AI Bootcamp to Philadelphia this November. CSL is a global biotechnology company with a portfolio of life-saving products available to patients in 100+ countries.
“To be ready for the future, students must be ready for AI. This technology is already changing how we discover new medicines, create art and solve community challenges,” said Mark Hill, CSL’s Chief Digital & Information Officer. “CSL is proud to partner with the Mark Cuban Foundation to ensure Philadelphia students from all backgrounds gain real-world AI experience, mentorship and the inspiration to imagine what’s possible for themselves and their communities.”
The foundation notes that students must fill out the application, not parents or teachers. Following the student application, parents and guardians will complete a separate application giving permission to proceed.
Students can apply here before September 30, 2025.
The Philly bootcamp sessions run on consecutive Saturdays in November. The program – open to 9th-12th grade students – will be held on November 1; November 8; and November 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants receive meals, transportation assistance and technology at no cost. Organizers encourage applications from girls, students of color, students from low-income backgrounds and teens who will be first-generation college students.
The AI Bootcamp gives underserved students hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools, including generative AI and explores real-world applications in fields such as health care, arts, business, computer science, sports science and career readiness. Students will also complete a capstone project under the guidance of industry mentors.
Since launching, the Mark Cuban Foundation's AI Bootcamp has served thousands of students nationwide, working to bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to AI education. The 2025 program introduces a dedicated Teacher Fellow in every location, supporting local educators through a year-long paid fellowship
Learn more at markcubanai.org.
