Country Day Launches Cincinnati’s First Inspirit AI Program: Students Innovate, Inspire, and Prepare for the Future
Originally published on Cincinnati Country Day here
This summer, Cincinnati Country Day School (CCDS) led the region by becoming the first school to host the nationally recognized Inspirit AI program in Cincinnati, bringing cutting-edge artificial intelligence education to the Queen City.
“The future isn’t coming, it’s already here; and thanks to our partnership with Inspirit AI, it’s being built in Cincinnati,” says Rob Zimmerman `98, head of school.
For two transformative weeks, 21 middle and high school students from schools across the region – including Seven Hills, Mariemont City Schools, Mason Public Schools, Covington Catholic, and Cincinnati Country Day School – immersed themselves in college-level AI curriculum, hands-on coding labs, and real-world problem solving. The program culminated in a student showcase where teams presented original AI-powered projects tackling major global and societal issues.
“Whether you’re interested in law, healthcare, art, or economics, AI is poised to transform almost every discipline,” says Jared Greene, program director for Inspirit AI. “Our goal is to help students become leaders in this transformation by understanding the technology behind it.”
AI Pioneers for Middle School Students
AI Scholars for High School Students
Real-World Solutions from Tomorrow’s Leaders
Students did not just learn theory; they applied AI to high-impact fields, using Python, machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. Some standout projects included:
An AI model to identify exoplanets that could one day sustain human life.
A tool to improve disaster relief by connecting people with essential resources more efficiently.
A program designed to combat distracted driving, using computer vision to identify risky behaviors behind the wheel.
Middle school students were not left out either. They built AI-powered chatbots to diagnose heart disease, designed self-driving car simulations, and created music recommendation systems.
“I had a lot of fun throughout the program,” says a rising freshman who participated in the program. “I started with no Python knowledge and came out feeling confident about coding and AI.”
Powered by Top Talent
The program was led by Inspirit AI instructors from top institutions across the country. Mekhi Jones, a Stanford-trained engineer and AI startup founder, and Michele Joseph, a Cornell computer science graduate and former autonomous vehicle engineer, brought real-world experience into the classroom.
“From an AI engineer’s perspective, there’s never been a better time to be a builder,” says Jones. “With AI augmenting how we learn and work, the ability to bring ideas to life is more accessible than ever. By learning to use and build with AI now, students aren’t just keeping up with the future, they’re preparing to shape it.”
The instructors led participants through hands-on coding, ethical discussions, real-world case studies, and coding labs, culminating in a showcase of student-led innovations that addressed real-world challenges.
“Industry moves faster than curriculum,” adds Joseph. “Early AI education gives students a head start on the skills that define the future.”
Impact and Future Growth
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
100%
of students responding to the final survey reported improved confidence in understanding and applying AI.
100%
of students successfully built an AI model to answer a specific research question.
80%
of students expressed a desire to pursue further AI or computer science education.
Student Feedback
“It was a very fun and engaging experience; I never got bored,” says a rising senior from Covington Catholic. “I was always learning something new."
AI learning will continue for Country Day students in grades 5-8 who register for the school's new AI club offering. Also, CCDS has already confirmed that Inspirit AI will return in Summer 2026. Plans are also in motion to increase financial aid and expand access for underrepresented students in the region.
“This program brought together students from all backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels,” says Greene. “They didn’t just learn AI, they used it to make a difference.”
Click here for more pictures from the program.