Polaris Prime AI Program

How to Apply:  Please do not click the "Apply" button. Instead, follow these instructions:

• Send an email to: DLABG.RESUME@GMAIL.COM with Subject line: Polaris Prime Application – [YourSchool]  [YourMajor]  [YourFullName]
• Include: Your one-page resume (PDF) - include your email and phone # but NOT your address. Also include a brief statement of interest (3–5 sentences).
• Applications submitted through Handshake alone will not be reviewed.

About the Program:
Polaris Prime 2025 is a no-cost, project-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) virtual summer learning experience. The focus will be projects in Generative AI and neural-network-based-Deep Learning AI with Cybersecurity as real-world use case. 

No prior AI experience is required. This is a learning opportunity to gain experience with Artificial Intelligence. It is not a job in traditional sense It is designed to help grow our nation's AI future workforce - not just in research but its application in Business, Education, Cybersecurity, Manufacturing, Finance, etc. 

This 8-9 week summer AI project-based experience learning opportunity is hosted by Discovery Lab - Global (DLG), a nonprofit committed to expanding access to careers in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and other STEM fields. The program originated from a $15M U.S. Air Force rapid innovation and prototyping lab initiative that operated over 10 years before independently transitioning philosophically into a nonprofit model. Now entering its 10th year, DLG continues to serve students across the country and in some cases, globally.

This is NOT A JOB in conventional sense with time clocks and detailed daily instructions on what to do each day. Instead, the student drives the experience. it is a project-based experiential LEARNING EXPERIENCE for students with little to no previous AI experience who are eager to get credible hands-on experience in both Generative AI and Deep Learning AI. Certificate of completion will be awarded.

Students will come out of the program with technically deep, hands-on experience with AI that will greatly improve their chances of securing future paid positions in AI or positions that require working knowledge of AI. Our program grew out of a $15M Air Force program that was focussed on developing our future technology innovators and leaders in STEM areas crucial to the nation such as AI, Cybersecurity, etc. DLG continues that focus as a non-profit.

Designed for students curious about emerging technologies, Polaris Prime is a two-phase, 8-to-9-week, project-based experience. In Phase 1, students explore a suite of Generative AI tools and technologies through a short, focused cybersecurity mini-project used as a real-world use case. In Phase 2, students apply their learned skills from Phase 1 to build a fully functional neural-network-based Deep Learning AI that learns how to play—and win—a video game. The program concludes with a 1-week Grand Challenge, in which participants design and demonstrate an AI-based solution to a real-world problem of their choice. 

Professional networking opportunities are a possibility but not guaranteed. We expect that some of the best results will be shared with interested government and industry members to give the best results broader visibility.

How to Apply:  Please do not click the "Apply" button. Instead, follow these instructions:

• Send an email to: DLABG.RESUME@GMAIL.COM with Subject line: Polaris Prime Application – [YourSchool]  [YourMajor]  [YourFullName]
• Include: Your one-page resume (PDF) - include your email and phone # but NOT your address. Also include a brief statement of interest (3–5 sentences).
• Applications submitted through Handshake alone will not be reviewed.