The Student TECH CORPS: AI Project Showcase features high school students presenting AI-powered solutions that address real-world challenges. The event showcases how the program has strengthened students’ technical, professional, and problem-solving skills that employers increasingly demand.
“Battelle’s investment reflects a shared commitment to prepare students for Ohio’s technology-driven future,” said Lisa M. Chambers, Chief Executive Officer of TECH CORPS. “Student TECH CORPS moves students beyond learning about artificial intelligence. They learn to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and solve community challenges. These are the same skills that will help them succeed in college, careers, and Ohio’s innovation economy.”
Over five weeks, students explored how artificial intelligence learns, predicts, and influences decision-making while designing projects that respond to authentic community needs. Throughout the program, they developed skills in ethical reasoning, collaboration, project design, and communication before presenting their work to community leaders and technology professionals.
For Nahom Girmay, a 2026 graduate of Horizon Science Academy, the experience has strengthened far more than his technical knowledge.
“Student TECH CORPS helped me become a better communicator, a stronger problem solver, and a more confident leader. Those experiences have prepared me for the technology career I want to build.”
Girmay hopes to secure an internship with Intel next summer and credits the program with helping him develop the teamwork, leadership, and communication skills that complement his growing technical abilities. His experience reflects Student TECH CORPS’ emphasis on preparing students not only to understand emerging technologies, but also to thrive in the collaborative environments where innovation happens.
Unlike a traditional science fair, the showcase is designed to simulate a professional technology environment. Student teams will repeatedly present their projects to rotating groups of business, education, and community leaders, answering questions about their design process, AI prompt engineering, ethical considerations, and the real-world impact of their solutions.
Student TECH CORPS is a registered Ohio pre-apprenticeship program that provides students the opportunity to earn work-based learning hours, the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal, an industry-recognized credential, and a pre-apprenticeship certificate while exploring careers in technology. This program was sponsored by Battelle, The Columbus Foundation, and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, administered by the Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services.
