AI Youth Summit gives high schoolers hands-on experience with enterprise AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing during National Digital Inclusion Week
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 9, 2026) — NCUS TEC and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) partnered to host the AI Youth Summit on Friday, Oct. 9, at COSI, 333 W. Broad St. in downtown Columbus, for more than 200 Central Ohio high school students.
Held during National Digital Inclusion Week, the summit transformed COSI into an interactive technology testing ground. Through hands-on sessions led by NCUS TEC, COSI, Salesforce and Actual Reality Tech, students explored artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing.
“Preparing students for the future workforce means giving them opportunities to explore and apply emerging technologies,” said Tracey Sigers, director of AI and digital literacy. “Through experiences like the AI Youth Summit, we’re helping students build the digital literacy and critical thinking skills to navigate an AI-driven world.”
The summit reflects a growing need to prepare young people not only to use emerging technologies, but also to understand how they work, recognize their potential and develop the skills to contribute to an increasingly technology-driven economy.
“Partnering with NCUS TEC has been fantastic because of their tech-forward thinking,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of COSI. “Science and technology is everywhere, and we need to be able to teach it.”
Participating students represent seven school districts and educational communities across Central Ohio, including Academy for Urban Scholars, Columbus City Schools, Groveport Madison Schools, Reynoldsburg City School District, Ridgewood Local School District, Upper Arlington City Schools, and Westerville City Schools.
The summit featured four immersive learning experiences:
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- From AI Consumers to Published Authors with Actual Reality: Students will explore Actual Reality Tech’s AI-powered storytelling platform, using prompt engineering and generative design to co-write, illustrate, and publish their own digital books. The session will demonstrate how AI can support creativity, content development, and digital publishing.
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- Enterprise AI in Motion with Salesforce: Through live, interactive demonstrations, Salesforce will introduce students to enterprise technology used by major businesses, including workflow automation and business AI. Students will see how these tools support operations and decision-making in the modern workplace.
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- Smart Industry and Future of Work with NCUS TEC: NCUS TEC will demonstrate how AI and advanced manufacturing technologies are transforming industrial production. Students will explore the role of algorithmic tools, automated logistics, and predictive technologies in creating more efficient manufacturing operations and shaping tomorrow’s jobs.
- Living Laboratory with COSI Robotics: COSI will lead hands-on robotics challenges and mechanical experiments, giving students opportunities to program, command, and interact with robotic systems in real time.
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By bringing together education, science, technology, and industry, NCUS TEC and COSI have created an opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
About NCUS TEC
NCUS TEC is an accredited technical institute focused on education, career preparation, and economic mobility. As the workforce training arm of the National Center for Urban Solutions, NCUS TEC connects individuals, including untapped talent, with industry-aligned education, hands-on training, and pathways to high-demand careers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, fiber optics, and information technology.
Media Contact
La’Var Howell
Director of Communications and Public Relations
National Center for Urban Solutions
Phone Number: 614-545-9890
Email Address: lhowell@ncusolutions.com
