NACME Launches Apple AI/ML Boot Camp at USC to Prepare Underrepresented Students for Careers in Tech

Alexandria, VA – June 19, 2024 –

NACME is excited to announce a new strategic focus on summer experiences that provide critical learning paths in emerging fields. As part of this initiative, NACME has partnered with Apple and the University of Southern California (USC) to offer an innovative boot camp in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for engineering students. The inaugural Apple AI/ML Boot Camp was launched earlier this month on June 3, 2024, at USC.

This groundbreaking program targets rising sophomores and above, providing them with an opportunity to receive instruction from USC faculty, engage in professional development activities, and participate in a three-day immersion experience at Apple’s headquarters. By integrating academic coursework with the skills training desired by major tech employers like Apple, the boot camp aims to develop technical AI/ML skills, increase workforce readiness, and provide students with exposure to various career paths in the tech industry.

NACME’s commitment to supporting underrepresented students is further evidenced by the comprehensive support provided: $10,000 student stipends, housing, travel, and immersion costs are fully covered by our corporate partner to ensure access for all participants. USC is equally committed, providing resources including faculty, staff, facilities, and thorough evaluation methods to ensure the program's quality and impact.

The program’s long-term impact on academic performance, retention, and career outcomes will be evaluated to ensure it meets its goals. By equipping engineering students with cutting-edge AI/ML skills and invaluable experience at a leading tech company, NACME is setting a new standard for summer educational programs.

Dean Yannis Yortsos of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering expressed his excitement about the program, stating, "It was a pleasure welcoming 17 talented undergraduate students from all over the United States to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering for an eight-week boot camp on AI and ML, sponsored by Apple and organized by NACME. It was wonderful to reconnect with Michele Lezama, NACME’s President and CEO, and worthy successor of our beloved late colleague John Brooks Slaughter. The boot camp is masterfully conducted by ECE Professor Corey E. Baker, Ph.D., of our Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and coordinated by Ken Bonner, Kevin Henry, and Traci Thomas Navarro. A big thank you to Richard M. Leahy, as well as our new USC School of Advanced Computing."

Yortsos emphasized the program's comprehensive approach, which blends academic instruction with professional development and corporate connections to support career readiness. He praised the collaborative model that leverages university resources and corporate funding to increase the AI/ML workforce pipeline.

Call to Action for Corporate Support

NACME invites companies to join us in this crucial initiative by contributing financial and human resources to our efforts. Your support will help ensure America’s continued leadership in innovation by fostering a talented workforce. By investing in these students, companies are not only contributing to their individual success but also to the broader goal of national economic growth and technological advancement.

"NACME's new commitment to invest in summer experiences for youth by giving them access to cutting-edge programs like the Apple AI/ML Boot Camp is a pivotal step in addressing disparities in STEM education," said Kevin Edwards, PVP Bechtel and Chair of the Board of NACME. "We are calling on our corporate partners and new supporters to join us in empowering these bright young minds and ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve."