AI Edge Bootcamp

Learn hands-on how to apply the latest AI tools in the workplace.

Elevate your career and business with applied AI skills in this 6-week immersive course.

This dynamic 6-week program is crafted for high school graduates, early-career professionals and business owners who want to gain a competitive edge in today’s AI-driven job market and economy.

Whether you’re looking to boost your employability, drive business growth, learn to boost your creativity with AI, or kickstart your own entrepreneurial venture, you’ll learn how to apply AI tools and strategies that are shaping the future of business and the world.

Who We Want

Our AI program is designed for thinkers from all walks of life—whether your background is in philosophy, science, English, or beyond. We believe that diverse perspectives and varied thought processes are crucial in shaping the future of AI.

What You Will Learn

  • Project Management for Business

    Ai tools to support business development for your own business, or for someone else's.

  • Boosting your Video and Graphics Creativity

    How to use AI tools for creating graphics and videos so that you can better market your content.

  • Getting Better at Generating More Sales

    Using AI to help make better sales pitches and garner more leads for you to be a better salesperson.

  • Developing Robust Social Media Marketing

    Enhance marketing and social media strategies with AI for more following and engagement.

  • Building Your Own Version of ChatGPT

    You will learn how to build your own version of ChatGPT that does what you want it to do.

Course Overview

Duration: 6 weeks

Format: In person

Instructors:

  • Eric Forst, an experienced entrepreneur and educator

  • Kachi Onyeador, background in computer science and cognitive science

Location: David E. Glover Emerging Technology Center

Cost: Free

Meet the Instructor:

Eric Forst

Eric Forst is an entrepreneur, marketer, and educator with over 30 years of experience. Since 2008, he's been helping businesses integrate AI, with expertise in building Custom GPTs tailored for startups. As co-founder of Pangea Social AI, Eric continues to develop AI-driven solutions that empower companies to grow and innovate.

With a background in business development at Visible Technologies, a pioneer in social media sentiment analysis, Eric has led corporate marketing departments and managed teams of 10 or more. He’s successfully implemented a range of sales and marketing software across multiple industries.

Eric holds a BA in Foreign Affairs from UVA and an MFA in English from UMASS, Amherst, where he taught English Composition to college freshmen. His diverse experience ensures a practical, real-world approach to AI education in the classroom.

Meet the Teaching Assistant:

Kachi Onyeador

Kachi Onyeador is an East Bay native and UC Berkeley graduate with a degree in Cognitive Science and minors in Computer Science and Theater. She has worked at Amazon Games and various teams at Disney, most recently conducting research on AI initiatives at Disney Innovation. Her passion lies in exploring how AI can revolutionize interactive entertainment, foster creativity, and advance education to promote well-being.

As a TA in the AI career development program, she aims to empower people in the community to use AI tools to achieve their goals and enhance their lives, ensuring they don’t get left behind in the current AI boom.

Meet our Guest Lecturer:

Evo Heyning

Evo Heyning is a media technology executive and expert creative technologist with over two decades in streaming, VR/XR, and interactive media production. She’s a seasoned showrunner, strategist, and author with expertise in AI, immersive media, and regenerative systems design. Known for her work in live and hybrid productions, Evo has led groundbreaking media campaigns, advised on LLMs and virtual AI agents, and published extensively on AI-driven creative frameworks.

Evo will lead the AI for Graphics and Video Content module, where she’ll guide students in the latest AI applications for visual media and storytelling.

Free & Accessible

Enjoy a top-tier education at no cost, designed for high school graduates and early career professionals.

Expert Instruction

Develop practical AI skills that employers are actively seeking.

Level Up Your Business

Elevate your current or future business with AI through our comprehensive curriculum designed for both business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Why This Program

Unlock High-Demand AI Skills for Career and Innovation and Receive:

Hands-On Training

Develop practical AI skills that employers are actively seeking.

Career Boost

Stand out in the job market with advanced, job-ready AI competencies, and projects to add to your resume.

Connect & Grow

Build a professional network while gaining skills applicable to both job searches and entrepreneurial ventures.

Eligibility

Who Should Apply?

Early Career Professionals: Early career professionals with some IT or coding experience.

or

High School Graduates: With a B or higher in STEM subjects or English/Philosophy/Language Arts subjects. (We want a wide range of thinkers)

Program Structure

Weeks 1 - 2

Introduction to AI and Fundamentals + hands on with AI tools

Week 3

Learning to build your own GPT / start your project

Weeks 4 - 5

Practical applications of AI for marketing and graphics

Week 6

Capstone Project presentation and course wrap-up