The Deep Learning Track of MIT FutureMakers is designed to leverage students’ foundational knowledge on artificial intelligence to explore Deep Learning as the most advanced form of AI today. This free, six-week, fully online program, running from July 1st through August 9th, 2025, brings together high school students as a diverse group of highly motivated learners who want to develop new AI skills in working with deep learning models, exploring real-world applications, and analyzing different types of data. Students will also develop essential career competencies, such as critical thinking, collaboration, project management, and effective communication, preparing them for future opportunities in AI-driven fields.
As a FutureMakers participant in the Deep Learning Track, you will learn how modern AI systems process and learn from data, such as in facial recognition, self-driving cars, and cybersecurity. You’ll develop a strong understanding of AI, Machine Learning, and Neural Networks. You’ll work with real-world datasets gaining practical skills in the step-by-step Supervised Learning Pipeline with various signals and data types, including structured data (tables), text, images, audio, and video.
You’ll see how deep learning is transforming real-world applications through engaging and hands-on activities, where you will build up your AI coding skills and engage in deep learning model development in a structured approach. You will collaborate with your teammates to eventually compete in a fast-paced entrepreneurial Create-a-thon by the end of the six weeks!
Self-paced learning: Weeks 1 to 4
During the first four weeks, students will be guided by mentors through multiple virtual sessions per week. These sessions will kickstart the program by introducing foundational deep learning concepts and ensuring students have a solid understanding before diving into hands-on work. Students will form teams early on in the program and will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance and troubleshooting support as they independently explore the program topics. Some Deep Learning topics in this program are mandatory and others are optional, allowing students to manage their learning effectively and practice prioritization and time management, much like real-world problem-solving.
Create-a-Thon: Weeks 5 and 6
By the end of the program, students will participate in a one-week Design Jam Competition, where they work together as a team to ideate, design, and present a solution as a group on specified requirements and scenarios, leading to a one-week Create-a-Thon. The Create-a-Thon allows groups of students to apply their learning in a project of their choice, where each team, supported by their mentor, fully develops an AI-based solution to a real-world problem and present their solutions. This hands-on experience will prepare students to think critically about AI’s role in the world and inspire them to create their own AI-driven solutions.
Requirements
This program is free for high school juniors (11th grade) and seniors (12th grade) or first-year undergraduates based in the United States. Students will need to allocate 20 hours per week for this program, and are required to have learned Python programming at school (one full school year or more) or in extracurricular activities.