IDEAS Program Cohort 3 Graduation Ceremony Recap

On December 15, 2024, we proudly celebrated the graduation of our AI LA IDEAS Cohort 3 students, marking the culmination of a transformative 3-month journey.

This hybrid program brought together twelve talented community college students from diverse backgrounds to dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over the course of the program, students completed rigorous coursework, including the AI for Good Specialization and the Machine Learning Specialization, and applied their learnings to real-world projects with mentorship from industry leaders.

The final graduation ceremony highlighted not just the technical milestones achieved but also the immense personal growth and community-building that unfolded during the program. Students presented innovative projects that tackled real-world challenges, demonstrating the practical applications of their knowledge and their potential to make a meaningful impact in the tech world.

One of our Cohort 3 graduates, May Yadanar Thein, shared their inspiring journey:

“Adjusting to the diverse cultures of Los Angeles as an international student came with its challenges, particularly when it came to overcoming language barriers. As a computer science major, I sought opportunities to bridge my academic knowledge with hands-on experience, which led me to the IDEAS program. This program provided a platform to grow not only academically and professionally but also personally, offering a turning point in my journey.

As part of Cohort 3, I took full advantage of the program’s opportunities. At the largest in-person hackathon I attended, I applied what I learned to develop a web app that leverages artificial intelligence to create personalized music experiences based on user emotions and random word inputs. I also collaborated with a team as my final project of the program to build a machine learning model capable of evaluating news credibility with 99.8% accuracy. These projects allowed me to connect my technical skills with real-world applications, which was both rewarding and insightful.”

The IDEAS program continues to fulfill its mission of fostering inclusivity, diversity, equity, and allyship in AI by empowering underrepresented students to become leaders in the tech industry. Cohort 3’s accomplishments are a shining example of what’s possible when talent, opportunity, and support come together.

As we look forward to the next cohort, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of this graduating class and the bright futures ahead for these students.

Stay tuned for updates on future programs and opportunities to join the AI LA IDEAS community! Whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor or participating as a community college student, please visit our IDEAS webpage for more information.