For High Schoolers Ready to Lead
An accelerator for NYC's most ambitious high schoolers. Build real AI startups, nonprofits, and tools that solve real problems. Matched with mentors and real resources. Free for all students. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit initiative.
Today's high schoolers have a generational opportunity to lead the AI era. Yet, without formal resources or educators to guide them, many barely scratch the surface, rarely moving beyond the chatbot stage. To unlock what they are truly capable of, they need more than just access. They need a spark: a tangible goal they can bring to life using the power of AI.
They need a reason to go deeper. When a student decides to build an AI-powered startup, a nonprofit, or a real-world tool that excites their heart, that is when real AI learning begins. By pursuing an outcome they actually care about, the motivation to master AI comes naturally. Not from a textbook, but from necessity.
We are the accelerator that springboards that ambition. We pair students with mentors and resources to supercharge their efforts. Our goal is not just to teach AI; we empower students to build, ship, and make a tangible impact on the world.
Designed around busy high school schedules, college prep, and extracurriculars.
Industry professionals committed to helping you build, not just advise.
Clear goals, accountability, and tangible outcomes at every stage.
Launching with top NYC schools, expanding nationally and internationally.
You pick the goal: a startup, a nonprofit, a tool, anything that excites your heart. We give you the mentors, the AI tools, and the structure to actually build it. While pursuing that tangible outcome, you develop real AI skills, not because someone assigned them, but because you need them.
Get matched with a dedicated AI practitioner from a top tech company or university. Not a guest speaker. A committed coach who supercharges your effort with the right tools and guidance, week after week.
Join a cohort of peers who push you forward. Clear milestones, demo days, and the accountability to actually ship your project — not just dream about it.
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.
Whether it is an AI-powered startup, a nonprofit initiative, or a tool that solves a real-world problem, if it excites you, we will help you build it. Our mentors supercharge your effort with AI tools and resources. Our structure keeps you accountable. The tangible outcome is yours.
You have a vision. You have the drive. You need mentorship, resources, and a structure that holds you accountable to actually ship it.
Structured milestones and real accountability so you always know what comes next.
Apply or get nominated. Get matched with a mentor who fits your goals.
Regular mentor sessions. Workshops. Build your project with real support and accountability.
Present your progress to industry leaders and peers. Get real feedback.
Iterate based on feedback. Deepen your project. Expand your impact.
Final presentations. Launch your project. Join the alumni network.
Ambitious ideas deserve real support. We are building the resources and partnerships to help students cross the finish line.
Access to cutting-edge AI tools, development resources, and the technology you need to bring your project to life.
Dedicated mentors from industry and academia who guide you through the hard parts of building something real.
Connect with a broader network of founders, engineers, researchers, and peers who are just as driven as you are.
AI Collective 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.
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.
Grades 9 to 12. Ambitious. Ready to build something that matters.
Apply Now →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.