AI App Team is a program where teams of
high schoolers use AI to build apps that solve real-world problems.
Along the way, they'll learn systems and architecture basics from our expert
coaches — no coding experience necessary.
Teams will be given directions for building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product),
after which they will be tasked with identifying functionality and building the code (using AI)
to expand the product for a chosen niche audience. At the end of the program,
all teams will present their creations.
Where Does AI App Team Take Place?
Virtual and/or in-person are possible, depending on team makeup.
What Will Students Learn?
AI App Team is designed to give high school students a real build experience
using AI, without requiring prior coding skills. While we will use AI to build
the code, we won't use it to outsource thinking. The team is responsible for working
together to determine requirements, functionality, testing, and anything else
required to complete the app. By the end of the program, students will have experience in:
How to use AI to build an application
Systems and architecture basics
Collaborating on a small team (about 3–4 students) to create an end product
Coordinating within their team for off-hours work
Getting feedback from a real target user
Presenting the application they built
An example prompt might be to build a mobile app which uses an LLM (AI) to translate
signs in a foreign language for travelers, or an app that allows the user to identify and price
clothing from a thrift store.
Who Should Join?
AI App Team is for high school students only. Coding experience is a plus, but not required.
This program focuses on building using AI, and won't walk through the details of generated code (working through code is supported by our Code Coaching program, however).
If you want experience in using AI as a tool for quick prototype-level applications, this program is for you.
This program requires significant self-initiative and commitment to the team, and much of the
value is in learn-by-doing. In addition to a one-hour session with our expert Code Coach,
teams should expect to work a self-coordinated 1–2+ hours additional per week.
All students are also required to present at Demo Days.
Remember, AI can help you build something that works, but technical literacy is
how you take AI to the next level. Ask about pairing AI App Team with Code Coaching at a
discount to combine both skills. AI itself can produce great results - but AI plus Coding skills
is what will win in the end.
Program Details
Length: Contact your location
Format: Virtual and/or in-person (depending on team makeup)
Time commitment: 1 hour team meeting with our Code Coach per week, plus 1–2+ hours of self-coordinated work per week (potentially more during deadlines)
Start: Contact your location
Cost: Contact your location. Families are also expected to cover any AI platform fees, which may be up to $20 per month.
Team size: 3–4 students, plus a Code Coach
Ends with a practice MVP presentation and a final Demo Day for invited parents and all teams
Bear in mind this is an active participation learn-by-doing program where self-initiative is important.
This is not intended to be a structured class with curriculum.
How the Program Works
Prior to kickoff, all students will be assigned to their respective teams by us.
Each team then follows the same arc (weeks subject to change):
Kickoff: An all-teams meeting introduces the program, timeline, and structure
Weeks 1–2 Intro: Training, setup, team bonding
Weeks 3–4 MVP: Build a basic app exactly as directed. At the end, each team presents their MVP to management (this is their "practice" presentation).
Weeks 5–end Build Phase: Choose a niche audience and expand the MVP with functionality the team identifies. All teams then present in the final Demo Day. Each team must provide a publicly accessible working link to their final app.
Platform
Unless otherwise notified, teams will build with Replit, in full AI mode (no need to code anything by hand). Replit includes:
Publishing/hosting (you get a publicly accessible URL)
Online login, can use any computer, no need for locally installed software
Built for ages 13+
Strong collaboration tools for multi-threaded team development
Database, user login and other powerful tools
While the free plan may work for basic AI generation, please expect to upgrade to the $20/month plan
so students aren't limited.
Each student is responsible for their own login, and is encouraged to continue building at the end
of this program. Rights to any applications developed will be owned by the team as a whole.
Cost and Commitment
Contact your location. The fee covers coaching and program administration, paid upfront.
Families are also expected to cover any AI platform fees, which may be up to $20 per month.
Expect 1 hour per week for the formal team meeting, plus 1–2+ hours of work
the team coordinates on its own (potentially more during deadlines). You'll need a computer (Mac or PC is ok; Chromebooks may work — please check with us) and
stable internet for building with AI and remote meetings.
How Does This Differ from UpCode?
UpCode
is our elite team development program intended for serious coders. Entry to the UpCode program
is highly selective, requiring an application with transcript and essays. UpCode prospects
are also required to pass a technical assessment and interview round. While the arc is
similar, UpCode projects are significantly more complex than AI App Team due to the advanced coding skills of
accepted participants. In addition, UpCode includes other benefits such as technical mentoring
sessions, college application guidance, and meetings with our CEO.
AI App Team with Code Coaching can be a great stepping stone to our UpCode program.
If you're an advanced coder, ask your manager if you're ready for UpCode today!
How to Join AI App Team
To join, find a location near you. Each school runs its own teams, dates, and pricing.
Can't find the right location? You can always
email us at aiappteam@thecoderschool.com.
FAQs
Who is AI App Team for?
AI App Team is for high school students only. Coding experience is a plus, but not required. The program focuses on using AI to build prototype-level applications and does not walk through generated code in detail.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Coding experience is a plus, but not required. Teams build in full AI mode and do not need to write code by hand.
When does it start?
Contact your location for start dates.
How much does it cost?
Contact your location. Families are also expected to cover any AI platform fees, which may be up to $20 per month.
Is it virtual or in person?
Virtual and/or in-person are possible, depending on team makeup.
How do I join?
Email aiappteam@thecoderschool.com, or find a location near you. There is no application form.
What is theCoderSchool? We are an after-school drop-off (and virtual) program for kids
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