By Louis DiPietro, Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science
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Powerful tools typically come with instructions or a manual. Artificial intelligence does not. That’s why the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science developed and launched “AI for All,” an online course for high school and college students that covers generative AI (GenAI) tools. 

In the course’s inaugural session this summer, 14 high school and college students from around the world received world-class instruction in how large language models (LLMs) work and how to use them effectively.

“AI for All” (INFO 4940/5940) is a virtual, six-week course where students – from high school to graduate level – dive into modern LLMs and demystify the underlying technology behind chatbots, image generators, and more. No prior experience with AI is required, and participating students earn course credit. 

The intent is to educate students about the responsible use of GenAI tools, which 70% of Cornell students use once a week or more, according to a recent study. That’s on par with AI use among middle- and high-school students in the U.S, where about two-thirds of teens between 13 and 17 use chatbots, according to a Pew Research poll. 

Understand AI’s True Capabilities

a man with short brown hair wearing a gray sweater

Many students have already used AI in some contexts, but this course helps them understand AI’s true capabilities, both by providing a deeper understanding of how it works and by showing them how to build custom AI-powered applications.

Sorin Lerner
Dean of Cornell Bowers

“Many students have already used AI in some contexts, but this course helps them understand AI’s true capabilities, both by providing a deeper understanding of how it works and by showing them how to build custom AI-powered applications,” said Sorin Lerner, dean of Cornell Bowers and a course advisor. 

This summer, each student completed several projects using Codex, an AI coding tool. Among some of the projects: 

  • A Chrome plugin for generating detailed explanations of technical content in YouTube videos

  • A mobile app for guiding patients through a complex physical therapy protocol

  • An AI-powered platform to help homeowners keep track of recurring maintenance tasks, appliances, and warranties

“Students were challenged to leverage AI to tackle problems of their choosing, building anything from stand-alone apps to complex plugins for coding assistant platforms,” said Jacob Matthews, Ph.D. ‘26, a visiting lecturer in information science and “AI for All” course instructor. “They excelled – students incorporated AI in ways that accelerated individual learning.”

Though a Cornell Bowers course, “AI for All” reflects the broader university mission to make high-quality AI education accessible to a broad and diverse community of learners, preparing the next generation to navigate an AI-driven world.

Louis DiPietro is a writer for the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science.