Suvidha International Foundation recently concluded a 12-week After-School Industrial AI Agent Development Program for high school students at Cordova High School, enhancing their skills in artificial intelligence.
Suvidha International Foundation, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has successfully completed a 12-week After-School Industrial AI Agent Development Program for 25 high school students at Cordova High School. This initiative was designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and programming.
Supported by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) through its Shine Award, the program ran from April to July 2026. It catered to students in grades 9 through 12, including those with little or no prior experience in artificial intelligence. The initiative also received backing from Cordova High School and local technology businesses, including Tech Yantra, ERTech Pros, and WATI.
Throughout the program, students engaged in hands-on training that emphasized real-world applications of AI. They began by learning foundational concepts, Python coding, responsible AI practices, problem-solving methods, and application design. This knowledge was then applied through collaborative projects focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, and community services.
Participants quickly learned that developing an AI application involves more than just technical skills. They worked to understand community needs, collect and organize information, propose features, divide responsibilities, test ideas, identify problems, and improve their work based on feedback. By the end of the program, students had progressed from having limited knowledge of AI to planning, building, testing, and presenting beginner-level applications.
The experience not only increased their confidence but also helped them grasp how emerging technology can address practical challenges affecting families and communities.
Students were organized into three teams, each tasked with developing a SMUD-focused AI application module: Bill Comparison, Issue Reporting, or Incentive Finder. Guidance from SMUD Directors Michael and Oliver was instrumental in selecting relevant topics for these AI applications.
Before diving into the SMUD-focused modules, student teams created basic e-commerce applications to familiarize themselves with the planning, building, testing, and improvement processes involved in AI application development. They practiced identifying user needs, designing features, organizing information, integrating AI tools, and resolving technical issues.
The Bill Comparison module was designed to help users better understand their electricity usage and costs. The Issue Reporting module allowed residents to report concerns such as failed streetlights and other utility-related issues, while also recognizing that emergencies like downed power lines require immediate safety guidance. Meanwhile, the Incentive Finder module was aimed at helping users locate energy-efficiency programs, rebates, and incentives.
While the applications remain in the beginner stage and require further testing, updated information, expert review, and refinement before public use, the projects provided students with valuable opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, time-management, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
Throughout the program, students faced several challenges, including conflicts with academic, athletic, and extracurricular commitments. The complexity of their projects necessitated additional time to gather information, test features, correct errors, and refine the applications.
Moreover, the school’s summer closure required the relocation of remaining sessions. Despite these setbacks, students demonstrated resilience, maintaining their participation and completing their work while adapting to changes and focusing on their shared goals.
The program culminated in a Grand Final AI Showcase on July 21, 2026, at Rancho Cordova City Hall. Students presented their projects, demonstrated the three AI application modules, and answered questions from guests.
The showcase attracted community and technology leaders, including Suvidha International Foundation Directors Vandna Sharma and Bala Kodavatikanti, FCUSD Board Vice President Y.K. Chalamcharla, Citizen.AI Director Rajesh Yakkali, and local technology professionals such as Venkat Nagam, Tripti Verma, Shashank Rao, Ramakrishna Danthu, Vasishta Kyatham, and Prasad Bodapati.
Also present were SMUD representatives Kevin Burdick and Tran Wilson, Cordova Recreation and Park District Director Eric Sloan, along with parents and community members. The event underscored the importance of partnerships among schools, nonprofit organizations, local government, utilities, families, and technology professionals in advancing AI and STEM education.
This article was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed for accuracy and clarity.