Changing the face of AI
To solve the world’s most pressing technological challenges, we need a diverse collection of skilled minds. At SureStart, that’s exactly what we’re building.
Diverse minds building diverse technology
The future of AI needs diversity — diversity of experiences, perspectives, and skills. We aim to bring this much needed diversity to AI by providing every high-school and college student, no matter where they are located, with an equal opportunity to be an AI builder and change-maker.
For students
If you are an interested student, learn about the SureStart program: a virtual AI training program that prepares you with in-demand technical and career skills needed to get your first AI internship.
For companies
If you are a company that shares our vision and wants to experience the benefits that SureStart trainees will bring to your workforce, we are excited to partner with you. Learn about being a SureStart partner.
About the SureStart program
Train
In the first phase of our program, students learn AI skills through a curated, interest-led, self-paced curriculum, accessed virtually. Students are supported with one-on-one and group mentoring from experienced mentors who share knowledge, and provide accountability and encouragement.
Build
Then, it’s time to put those skills to work! In the second phase, students are placed into small teams to develop AI-based solutions to real-world problems with the support of a dedicated team mentor. The final projects are showcased in a virtual global Makeathon hosted by SureStart.
Connect
Throughout the program, students hear from industry experts through talks and seminars, and are taught how to build authentic yet professional relationships with these experts, their mentors, and with each other. As they near completion, interested students are also connected to SureStart partner companies to explore internship opportunities.
A multifaceted skill-building program
Technical skills
Machine learning
Natural language processing
Computer vision
Data analytics & visualization
Ethical AI development
Professional skills
Communication & networking
Time management
Cross-timezone collaboration
Virtual presentation skills
Entrepreneurial mindset
The SureStart Difference
The internet is crowded with educational materials on AI, so, what makes SureStart different? We’re unique in four key ways:
We target students earlier in their education so candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities are given the opportunity to pursue a career in AI.
We offer students the full continuum - training in technical and professional skills that they apply to a real-world AI project, plus a platform to showcase their learning and accomplishments. Then, we connect them to industry-leading tech companies to jumpstart their careers.
Students have one-on-one mentors who not only provide support and accountability, but also help them envision a future that they may not yet see themselves.
We’re gathering and training truly diverse talent - across continents, across time zones, across cultures, across socio-economic status.
The SureStart partnership with industry
The business case for a diverse workforce is exceedingly clear, particularly for companies building, licensing or deploying AI. The challenge, however, lies in finding, securing, and retaining top talent with diverse experiences, perspectives and skills. If your company is facing this shortage of diverse talent, contact us about partnership opportunities.
We help you gain a competitive advantage by building a diverse and inclusive tech and AI workforce that positively impacts your company’s innovation, profitability, and company culture. Make diversity your asset to build more robust, more ethical AI solutions that serve all your customers.
The benefits of being a SureStart partner include:
Access to one of the world’s most diverse pools of emerging AI talent.
Training for new leaders in your company on intern management.
Support from SureStart to foster an “environment of success” that ensures internships are mutually beneficial.
Bespoke program specifically tailored to your company’s industry-focus.
SureStart partners are:
AI and AI-adjacent tech companies that use computing and AI.
Committed to increasing the diversity of their workforce and leadership teams, and providing a platform for these diverse voices.
Devoting dollars to actionable change, specifically towards training the next generation of AI professionals.
Interested in applying to become a SureStart partner?
“SureStart’s unique skills in finding and developing young diverse talent, matching them with inspirational mentors, and aligning their work with our company’s roadmap has given Affectiva a competitive advantage.”
Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, Co-founder and CEO, Affectiva
Case study: EMPath at Affectiva
Read about how we took a 1-student AI program to a 52-student program in less than 3 years, all while switching to a virtual model.
