Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

Presented by UC-Berkeley Certified Instructors

June 21 - Sept 20, 2026 (12 Weeks) Every Sunday, 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Alumni Success

Why Learn AI & Data Science?

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we live and work. It is transforming industries such as healthcare, finance, education, transportation, manufacturing, and space technology. As AI becomes part of everyday life, understanding how it works is becoming an important skill for students interested in technology, business, science, or engineering.

Learning AI and Data Science helps students understand how machines learn, how data is used to make decisions, and how intelligent applications are built. It also develops coding, logical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills that prepare students for future academic and career opportunities.

Program Overview

The AI & Data Science Program at iStart Valley is a 12-week online program designed for high school students who want to explore Artificial Intelligence through practical, hands-on learning.

Guided by UC-Berkeley (University of California) Certified instructors and industry experts, students learn the foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Agentic AI while working on projects using Jupyter Notebook.

The program combines technical concepts with real-world applications, helping students understand how AI is used across industries and how intelligent systems are developed. Whether students are interested in engineering, business, medicine, law, or entrepreneurship, this program provides a solid introduction to one of today's fastest-growing fields.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
  • Learn how Machine Learning models work.
  • Explore Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Agentic AI.
  • Work with real-world datasets.
  • Create data visualizations using industry tools.
  • Build AI applications using Jupyter Notebook.
  • Apply AI concepts to solve real-world problems.

Who Should Enroll?

This program is ideal for:

  • High school students interested in AI, Data Science, or Computer Science.
  • Students interested in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, or Entrepreneurship.
  • Innovators, creators, and startup enthusiasts.
  • Students preparing for future careers in technology.
No prior programming experience is required.

AI & Data Science Curriculum

The program is delivered in three progressive phases, combining theory with practical learning.

Phase 1: Data Science & Data Visualization Foundations

Students will learn:

Types of Data Organizing Datasets Visualization Techniques Identifying Trends
Phase 2: Foundations of Artificial Intelligence Core Tech

Topics include:

  • Machine Learning & Neural Networks
  • Artificial Intelligence techniques
  • Introduction to Neuroscience
  • How intelligent systems learn
Phase 3: Generative AI & Intelligent Applications Advanced

Students will explore:

Generative AI LLMs Agentic AI Prompt Engineering
Hands-on Learning:

Throughout the program, students complete practical exercises using Jupyter Notebook and develop AI projects that reinforce the concepts covered during the course.

Program Schedule

June 21 to Sept 20, 2026

Every Sunday

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Central Time

The program is delivered online through live interactive sessions with one hour of instruction each week.

Program Fees & Registration

Program Fee: $600

Payable in two installments:

First installment $400
Second installment After first 6 sessions
$200

Student Success & Reviews

"AI Program has been a really informative and enlightening experience. I learned a lot!"

- Madhalasa Iyer
John Hopkins SET winner, US National Winner for Intermediate Brain Bee

"I really enjoyed the program... The Final Presentations were a great way to apply what we learned. Overall, I'm really glad I participated in the program."

- Adrija Kundu
Bronze Medalist at International Geography Bee

"AI and Data Science taught me so much about the versatility of AI in today's world... Thanks, iStart Valley for such a great experience; you did it again!"

- Nithya Ganti
Principal oboe player for the Philharmonia, Top 20% in Math Olympiad

"Starting from the basics, this program effectively teaches the process of how data scientists receive, interpret, and process data... inspired me to continue to learn."

- Divek Patel
Provisional Patent Holder, Won National Conrad Challenge

Meet the Instructors

Industry Experts and Leaders in AI and Data Science: Course will feature leaders and experts Data Science and AI that working in Companies such as AirBNB, UBER and Space Engineering etc.

MJ Charmani

Director at Accenture, a global consulting firm and #2 World's best company by TIMES. MJ is the founder of iStart Valley, the first business accelerator initiated by an Indian American. He has certifications in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from Berkeley Haas, University of California. MJ earned an Executive MBA from the University of Texas Arlington and a Graduate Certificate in Global Business Studies. He has spearheaded various programs in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development. MJ has been honored as one of the "Top Tech Innovators and Influencers" in Northeast Florida and received the "Outstanding Innovation" Award from D-CEO Magazine. He is passionate about teaching the next generation the latest technology based skills. MJ is also a certified expert in Large Language Model (LLM) and Generative AI.

Dr. Anwesha Banerjee

Neuroscientist who has completed her doctorate from University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and currently working at Emory University, Atlanta. She is a Certified in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence by Berkeley Haas, University of California. Her other degrees include a Masters in Biotechnology from Bangalore University and a Masters in Neuroscience from UTD. She also has successfully completed certification courses in Business of Science from University of Pennsylvania. She has authored multiple publications in prestigious journals and presented at national and international conferences, around the globe. Here active interest involves exploring the world of artificial intelligence and how concepts of neuroscience can be applied to develop improved next generation AI. Anwesha recently spoke at TEDx event in Atlanta and leads the Human Capital Accelerator initiatives at iStart Valley.

Mithun Tiruvedula

Lead Engineer at Leanovate Info-Solutions with deep experience in building an end-to-end AI driven data analytics pipelines. He has a strong background and has worked on various projects in the field of Big Data, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Data Engineering. His work in Data Engineering involves Ensemble models including CNNs, decision trees, GANs, Analytics, SARIMA models, Video streaming and analytics, Satellite imagery analysis, Sentiment Analysis, Hyperparameter optimization, and has published 2 journal papers and 2 conference papers on the same. Mithun with his 2 pending patents in IoT also has a solid background in full-stack Web development, cloud technologies, and core software development with contributions to the open-source platform OpenStack. His 3rd place in the All India Big Data competition held by IIT Roorkee compliments his lifelong love for teaching and working with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior programming experience?
No. The program is designed for beginners. Students learn the concepts step by step through practical exercises and guided instruction.
What tools will students use?
Students work with Jupyter Notebook and industry-standard AI and Data Science tools throughout the program.
What topics are covered?
The curriculum includes Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, data visualization, and practical AI applications.
Is the program conducted online?
Yes. All sessions are delivered live online, allowing students to learn from anywhere.
How will this program benefit students?
Students gain practical AI and Data Science skills, complete hands-on projects, learn from experienced instructors, and build a strong foundation for college, internships, and future careers in technology.

Affiliations

AAAI-Logo-with-Association-Name neural

Check out the Videos of Presentations from Previous Participants

Sample AI Projects completed by Participants

01

Bulletproof

AI driven pathways to identify and prevent school/mass shootings
04

Aqualimpios

Robot based Batcteria cluster cleaning system
02

Temperature Tracker

AI Based Planet Monitoring System
05

Economic Crisis Aversion System

Economic Crisis Aversion System: Use AI to predict and avert a potential recession
03

Extinction Predictor

Predicting potential extinction of Species
06

Safespot

Using AI to conserve wildlife