Now accepting applications for Fall 2026

For High Schoolers Ready to Lead

Accelerate the
next generation
of AI changemakers.

A coalition of NYC's most ambitious high schoolers building real AI startups, nonprofits, and tools that solve real problems. Mentored by industry leaders. Get matched with industry AI mentors. Access cutting-edge tools.

AI High School Coalition Not a class. An AI accelerator for high schoolers. Build something real. Ship something that matters.

AI is reshaping every career, every industry, every future. The best time to start building is right now.

The pace of change in AI is unlike anything before. High schoolers with the right mentorship, tools, and community can do extraordinary things — but most never get the chance. Traditional classrooms were not designed for this moment. We are here to fill that gap, alongside educators, not instead of them.


That is why we partner with educators, schools, and industry leaders to give ambitious students access to the cutting-edge AI mentorship, resources, and structure they need to turn their ideas into reality.

We exist to unlock that potential.

Built for grades 9–12

Designed around busy high school schedules, college prep, and extracurriculars.

Matched with dedicated AI mentors

Industry professionals committed to helping you build, not just advise.

Structured timeline with real milestones

Clear goals, accountability, and tangible outcomes at every stage.

Starting in NYC, going global

Launching with top NYC schools, expanding nationally and internationally.

Not a class. Not a lecture series.
An AI launchpad.

Everything you need to turn your AI idea into something the world can actually use. We provide the structure, the mentors, and the cutting-edge tools. You bring the ambition.

01 //

AI Industry Mentors

Get matched with a real AI practitioner from a top tech company or university. Not a guest speaker. A committed coach who helps you build with AI, week after week.

02 //

Accelerator Structure

Join a cohort of peers who push you forward. Clear milestones, two demo days, and the accountability to actually ship your project — not just dream about it.

03 //

Turnkey Resources

Access the latest AI tools and resources you need to bring your project to life. We remove the barriers so you can focus on building.

A structured accelerator for high schoolers who want to build something real.

Whether you want to launch a startup, a nonprofit, or a tool that solves a real problem, we give you the mentorship, structure, and community to make it happen.

Accelerator Cohort

Ready to build? Let's go.

You have a vision. You have the drive. You need mentorship, resources, and a structure that holds you accountable to actually ship it.

  • Structured cohort with clear milestones and demo days
  • Dedicated AI mentor matched to your project
  • Access to cutting-edge AI tools and resources
  • Build a startup, nonprofit, or community tool
  • Join a community of the most driven high schoolers in NYC
Apply for the Fall Cohort →

From idea to impact.
A clear roadmap.

Structured milestones and real accountability so you always know what comes next.

01 //

Apply

Apply & Match

Apply or get nominated. Get matched with a mentor who fits your goals.

02 //

Build

Build Your Project

Regular mentor sessions. Workshops. Build your project with real support and accountability.

03 //

Present

Demo Day

Present your progress to industry leaders and peers. Get real feedback.

04 //

Iterate

Refine & Scale

Iterate based on feedback. Deepen your project. Expand your impact.

05 //

Launch

Final Showcase

Final presentations. Launch your project. Join the alumni network.

We give you more than inspiration.
We give you what you need to build.

Ambitious ideas deserve real support. We are building the resources and partnerships to help students cross the finish line.

01 //

AI Tools & Resources

Access to cutting-edge AI tools, development resources, and the technology you need to bring your project to life.

02 //

Mentorship & Coaching

Dedicated mentors from industry and academia who guide you through the hard parts of building something real.

03 //

Network & Community

Connect with a broader network of founders, engineers, researchers, and peers who are just as driven as you are.

Built by NORY. Designed for the most ambitious high schoolers ready to lead with AI.

AI High School Coalition is an initiative of NORY Changemakers Corp, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. NORY is NYC's largest STEM enrichment organization, operating across multiple neighborhoods and expanding nationally.

Our educator advisory council — a group of leading NYC STEM educators — guides student recruitment and program design. Our industry mentors come from top technology companies and leading universities.

We believe the next transformative AI company, the next breakthrough nonprofit, the next AI-powered tool that changes millions of lives — could be built by a high schooler. That high schooler could be you.
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit organization
NYC
Headquartered
13+
NORY venues across NYC
AI
Focused accelerator

The AI future is being built right now. You should be part of it.

Whether you are a student ready to build, an educator who knows a standout kid, or an industry leader who wants to give back — there is a place for you.

01 // Students

Students

Grades 9 to 12. Ambitious. Ready to build something that matters.

Apply Now →
02 // Educators

Educators

Nominate your best or join the advisory council.

Nominate / Join →
03 // Mentors

Mentors

Guide the next generation with your expertise.

Get Involved →
04 // Partners

Partners

Invest in young talent. Fund the future.

Partner Up →

Got questions? We've got answers.

Everything you need to know before you apply.

High school students in grades 9 to 12, currently in New York City. We are starting in NYC and expanding to other cities soon.

No. The program is completely free for students. We are funded through grants, donations, and partnerships.

The Accelerator runs September to March. Expect about one hour per week with your mentor plus independent project work. Designed around your school schedule.

Anything that uses AI to create real impact: a startup, nonprofit, community tool, research project, or creative campaign. We care about ambition and outcomes.

Some familiarity helps, but what matters most is ambition and willingness to learn fast. We will help you get up to speed on the tools you need.

Yes. Our vision is national and eventually global. NYC is just the beginning.