A STEM Education Initiative of Grand River Friendship Society
AI Explorers+
National Youth Access to Data Science
AI Explorers+ gives children and youth free, accessible opportunities to explore artificial intelligence and data science through hands-on workshops, coding activities, ethical discussions, mentorship, and student-led projects.
Program inquiries: algorhythm@grfsociety.ca
Supported by Scale AI
Key Facts
1,200+
Students Planned
Ages 7–17Grades 2–11
FreeNo Registration Fee
Hybrid LearningIn Person + Online
5 Communities
Kitchener, Waterloo,
Baden, Cambridge,
Guelph
About AI Explorers+
AI Explorers+ is a free hybrid learning initiative delivered by Grand River Friendship Society through The Algorhythm. The program introduces children and youth to artificial intelligence and data science in an accessible, engaging, and responsible way.
Through hands-on workshops, coding demonstrations, discussions, mentorship, and student-led projects, participants explore how artificial intelligence works, where it appears in daily life, and how technology can be developed and used responsibly.
The program places particular emphasis on expanding access for newcomer, low-income, racialized, and other underrepresented youth who may have had limited previous exposure to artificial intelligence and data science.
Explore more learning opportunities at GRFS Learning Academy.
WHY IT MATTERS
ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY
Making AI Education More Accessible
Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping education, work, and everyday life. However, not every young person has equal access to the technology, instruction, mentors, and learning opportunities needed to understand these changes.
AI Explorers+ helps reduce these barriers by bringing free and age-appropriate AI and data science learning into schools, youth programs, and community spaces. The program helps students see technology not as something distant or reserved for experts, but as a field they can understand, question, and help shape.
CURIOSITY INTO DISCOVERY
What Students Learn
The curriculum is organized around six accessible and age-appropriate learning areas.
1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Students explore what AI is, how it works, and where it appears in everyday life.
2. Machine Learning
Students train and test simple models, starting with Teachable Machine and Scratch and moving on to Python and scikit-learn for older students.
3. Data Visualization Basics
Students learn how data can be collected, organized, interpreted, and presented visually.
4. AI Ethics and Equity
Students discuss privacy, fairness, bias, safety, inclusion, and responsible technology use.
5. Career Exploration
Students learn about pathways in artificial intelligence, data, software, technology, and related STEM fields.
6. Student-Led AI Demos and Final Showcase
Students share their learning through simple projects, demonstrations, or presentations.
FOUR WAYS IN
Ways to Take Part
AI Scholars Cohorts
Ten-week programs that cover all six learning areas in depth, grouped by age. Students who complete all six modules receive a certificate.
Spark
Ages 7–9 · Grades 2–4
Hands-on, paper-based activities that show how machines learn from examples.
00
Build
Ages 10–13 · Grades 5–8
Training and testing models with cards and tools like Teachable Machine and Scratch, ending in a team project.
000
Launch
Ages 14–17 · Grades 9–11
Writing Python, training and evaluating models, using AI tools responsibly, and presenting a capstone project.
Workshops
One- to four-hour introductory sessions, in person and online, that give students a first look at AI and lead into the cohort program.
In GRFS Programs
AI activities built into summer school, conversation circles and youth camps.
In Schools and Community Spaces
Workshops with partner schools and community centres across Kitchener, Waterloo, Baden, Cambridge and Guelph.
How Learning Happens
AI Explorers+ uses a flexible blended-learning model designed to make participation practical, engaging, and accessible.
In-Person Workshops
Delivered in schools, youth programs, and community spaces.
Live Online Sessions
Mentor conversations, career talks, and interactive learning opportunities.
Short Video-Based Lessons
Follow-up learning that students can revisit after sessions.
Hands-On Activities
Coding demonstrations, guided exercises, and practical exploration.
Student Projects
Opportunities for participants to apply and present what they learn.
Session length depends on age group and format, from one-hour workshops to longer hands-on sessions for older students.
Who the Program Serves
AI Explorers+ is designed for students ages 7–17, including those with little or no previous experience in artificial intelligence, coding, or data science.
The program is beginner-friendly and places priority on expanding access for newcomer, low-income, racialized, and underrepresented youth.
Participants may be reached through GRFS programs, schools, community partners, youth networks, and local referrals.
No previous AI or coding experience is required.
Serving Youth Across Five Ontario Communities
-
Kitchener
-
Waterloo
-
Baden
-
Cambridge
-
Guelph
Program delivery may take place through GRFS sites, schools, community spaces, youth programs, and approved online learning environments.
What Participants Will Gain
- A foundational understanding of AI and data science
- Stronger digital literacy and critical-thinking skills
- Greater awareness of AI ethics, equity, and responsible technology
- Increased confidence and interest in STEM education and careers
How to Join
Fill out the waitlist form at thealgorhythm.ai. Waitlisted families are contacted first when a spot opens.
Our first cohort, Launch for ages 14 to 17, starts Saturday, October 24, in the Physics building at the University of Waterloo.
AI Explorers+ is free for students in Grades 2 to 11 who are enrolled in school. No previous AI or coding experience is required.
Photos of participants are shared only with parent or guardian consent.
Program Updates
June 1, 2026
Scale AI Support for AI Explorers+ Youth Data Science Project
GRFS announces support through the STEM Youth Awareness Program to expand access to artificial intelligence and data science learning for young people.
October 16, 2026
AI Explorers+: GRFS Expands Access to Artificial Intelligence Education for Young People
As artificial intelligence continues to transform education, workplaces, and everyday life, understanding emerging technologies is becoming increasingly important for the next generation. Yet many young people, particularly those from underserved communities, face barriers to accessing quality STEM education and hands-on technology learning opportunities.
More program stories and updates will be added as AI Explorers+ activities are delivered.
Supported by
AI Explorers+ is delivered by Grand River Friendship Society
with financial support from Scale AI
through its STEM Youth Awareness Program.
This support helps GRFS expand access to artificial intelligence and data science education for children and youth from diverse communities.
Help Bring AI Learning to More Young People
AI Explorers+ is helping children and youth explore technology with curiosity, confidence, and responsibility.
Schools, community organizations, and families interested in future program opportunities are invited to connect with Grand River Friendship Society.