Burlington Schools Launch Summer AI and Cybersecurity Programs for High School Students
Burlington will offer summer AI and cybersecurity programs with hands-on learning, career prep, and stipends—thanks to new tech-focused state grants.
Burlington Public Schools is set to launch an exciting summer program focused on artificial intelligence and data science for high school students, thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts AI Hub of the Mass Tech Collaborative. The program aims to give students valuable insights into artificial-intelligence-related careers, provide hands-on lessons, and help them develop professional skills.
Shereen Tyrell, Director of Career Pathways, shared the news at the May 27 School Committee meeting. "We're going to be getting a grant from the AI Hub to do a summer program," Tyrell explained. "We're going to be providing them with access to career information, lessons about AI, and learning how to do LinkedIn."
While Burlington students will get priority, the program is open to students from other districts as well. As an added incentive, participants will receive a stipend for their involvement.
Burlington Schools have also secured funding for a cybersecurity summer program, also backed by the Mass Tech Collaborative. "The funding is for this year and next year," Tyrell said, adding that the district is piloting a new AP course in cybersecurity.
But that's not all: the Biopharmaceutical Training Analysis Laboratory at Northeastern's Burlington Campus will be welcoming six students for a summer program, as well.
These programs build on the district's current technology education portfolio, which has included Excel certification for over 20 students, a reverse internship program, and an AI program run in the summer of 2024 from which two students built a company that provides AI-aided job search tools.
The programs also represent a significant step forward in preparing students for the evolving technological landscape, offering them practical skills and knowledge in high-demand fields in a state where so many technology and life sciences firms are established.
Terrell said the district was able to secure this funding in part due to their ability to demonstrate the district's commitment to developing the next generation of the world's workforce — work which has created a virtuous cycle of investment in the future.
