2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has created both opportunities and challenges for K–12 education. Preparing the next generation of learners to understand and apply AI technologies is essential for building a diverse and inclusive AI workforce. This paper presents Michigan Technological University’s CyberHusky initiative, an innovative AI training and outreach program designed for high school students. Through hands-on workshops, competitions, and community engagement events, CyberHusky introduces participants to core AI concepts, such as machine learning, data science, and ethical use of AI. The program emphasizes active learning, project-based exploration, and real-world problem solving, helping students develop not only technical skills but also critical thinking and teamwork.

The CyberHusky program integrates accessible, cloud-based AI coding platforms and open-source tools to make advanced concepts approachable for beginners. Evaluation results indicate that participants demonstrate significant gains in AI literacy, self-efficacy, and interest in computing-related careers. This paper describes the curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment results of the CyberHusky AI training program, highlighting its potential as a scalable model for K–12 AI education that bridges the gap between cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and community engagement.