Course Overview
Embark on a transformative experience this summer where you can build your future with the help of generative AI. In this summer institiue creativity and technology will come together to design your future passion and career! This program is specially crafted for high school students who have a keen interest in technology, artificial intelligence, and making innovation. Over the course of this one week, participants will dive deep into the intriguing world of Generative AI.
Generative AI is a dynamic field of artificial intelligence that enables machines to generate original content, whether it’s stories, artwork, music, or fresh ideas. The process involves training the AI on a large collection of data. For example, to create an AI capable of producing new music, you would expose it to thousands of existing music. Through this, the AI learns the patterns, notes and frequencies present in the music. After training, it can then generate new music based on the knowledge it has absorbed, allowing it to produce its own unique and innovative tunes.
In this summer institute, through engaging lectures, hands-on workshops, and team-based projects, students will develop a strong grasp of how AI can be utilized to generate content like stories, lyrics, computer programs, websites and much more. This program is designed to prepare talented high school students for college and AI research beyond.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
In this summer institute, through engaging lectures, hands-on workshops, and team-based projects, students will develop a strong grasp of how AI can be utilized to generate content like stories, lyrics, computer programs, websites and much more. By the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Explain the foundational principles of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks that underpin generative AI systems.
- Differentiate and evaluate various generative models, including large-scale pre-trained models such as GPT-3, based on their architectures and applications.
- Apply generative AI tools and techniques to create original digital content such as stories, music, computer programs, websites, and games.
- Design and implement hands-on projects that demonstrate innovative uses of generative algorithms in solving real-world creative challenges.
- Assess the ethical, social, and cultural implications of generative AI, emphasizing responsible use, transparency, and bias reduction.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with peers and mentors to develop, present, and refine AI-generated creative projects.
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: SCN 202
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior, or senior status – or a 2026 high school graduate.
Students’ reading comprehension needs to be sufficient to read a textbook or articles used in colleges and high schools. No previous programming experience required.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
Cost:
- Residential: $4,995
- Commuter: $4,024
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Synchronous Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 2-Week Session I: Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 17, 2026 | MTWThF; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Noncredit |
To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.
Course Requirements
Required Supplies
Please know that any supply purchases are not included in the overall tuition fee. Students will need to budget for additional course supplies, textbooks, supply kits, etc.
Technology & Supply Requirements:
- Reliable internet access
- A space conducive to taking an online class (without distractions)
- Open source software:
- All the software that we will use are either open source (free) or free trials and we will install them in class so no need for students to have anything prepared ahead of time.
- It would be helpful to have MS Office apps like: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Teams
- This course will require you to use your Syracuse University provided Microsoft and Google Accounts. Both accounts are based on your NetId. Your Google account is netid@g.syr.edu and your Microsoft Account is netid@syr.edu . We will use Microsoft Teams for communications, questions, and general asynchronous discussion between students about homework and projects. You will receive an invitation to the join these forums
This course does not have any textbook requirements.
Student Expectations
Students are expected to attend every class session and be engaged during all lectures, guest speakers and team activities. This course will offer the opportunity for academic and experiential learning, and the expectation is that all students come prepared to take full advantage of what is presented. Students are also expected to give each other feedback on in-class virtual presentation and participate in the final student presentation.
Good behavior in class (no disrespect, no disruptions, no distractions, no extra-curricular computer or cell phone usage, no side conversations, etc.) and adherence to all pertinent conduct standards are expected from all students. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructors if they must miss a synchronous class session due to health concerns, religious observances, or other obligations.
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
AM Session (10a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- Topic review and discussion: Begin with a brief recap of previously covered material to reinforce key concepts.
- Lecture and new content: Introduce new topics aligned with the assigned readings, focusing on theoretical foundations and current developments in Generative AI.
- Interactive Q&A: Encourage student participation and clarify complex ideas through guided discussion.
PM Session (2 – 4 p.m.)
- Hands-on team activities: Students work in small groups to apply learned concepts through practical exercises using AI tools and models.
- Guest lectures / special topics (Occasional): Invited experts present on emerging trends or cutting-edge research in Generative AI.
- Wrap-up & reflection: Groups share insights, discuss challenges, and preview upcoming assignments or readings.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!
Faculty Bio
Dr. Farzana Rahman
Dr. Farzana Rahman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at Syracuse University. She teaches many exciting courses in computer science and engineering. Dr. Rahman works closely with local high schools to promote awareness and understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its real-world impact. She has led interactive outreach sessions for 9–12th grade students on topics such as how AI tools like ChatGPT work, the importance of ethical AI use, and how to recognize and reduce AI bias. She also the directs NSF-funded project that is creating virtual labs for high school and undergraduate students. These labs introduce learners to cutting-edge areas of computer science, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, software engineering, quantum computing, ethics, and accessibility. Dr. Rahman’s broader research focuses on improving how computer science is taught and learned. She designs technology-enhanced learning environments and studies how to help students develop confidence, creativity, and curiosity in computing. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the College Educator of the Year Award from the Technology Alliance of Central New York, SU Chancellor’s excellence in student experiences award, Meredith Teaching Recognition Award from Syracuse University, and national honors from Google, NCWIT, and the American Association of Colleges and Universities.