Suvidha International Foundation, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recently completed a 12-week After-School Industrial AI Agent Development Program for 25 high school students at Cordova High School, according to a press release.

Supported by SMUD through its Shine Award, the program ran from April through July 2026. It served students in grades 9 through 12, including those with little or no prior experience in artificial intelligence or programming. The initiative also received support from Cordova High School and local technology businesses, including Tech Yantra, ERTech Pros, and WATI.

Hands-On AI Training for Real-World Needs

Students began the program by learning foundational AI concepts, Python coding, responsible AI practices, problem-solving methods, and application design. They applied their knowledge through collaborative projects focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, and community services.

Throughout the program, students learned that developing an AI application requires more than technical skills. According to the press release, participants worked to understand community needs, collect and organize information, propose features, divide responsibilities, test ideas, identify problems, and improve their work based on feedback.

Over the 12 weeks, students progressed from having limited knowledge of AI to planning, building, testing, and presenting beginner-level applications. The experience increased their confidence and helped them understand how emerging technology can address practical challenges affecting families and communities.

Developing Utility-Focused AI Applications

Students were organized into three teams, with each team developing a SMUD-focused AI application module: Bill Comparison, Issue Reporting, or Incentive Finder. SMUD Directors Michael and Oliver provided guidance for selecting relevant AI application topics.

Before developing the SMUD-focused AI modules, student teams created basic e-commerce applications to learn how AI applications are planned, built, tested, and improved. They practiced identifying user needs, designing features, organizing information, integrating AI tools, and resolving technical issues.

The Bill Comparison module was designed to help users better understand electricity usage and costs. The Issue Reporting module explored how residents could report concerns such as failed streetlights and other utility-related issues, while recognizing that emergencies like downed power lines require immediate safety guidance. The Incentive Finder module was designed to help users locate energy-efficiency programs, rebates, and incentives.

While the applications remain at the beginner stage and require additional testing, updated information, expert review, and refinement before public use, the projects allowed students to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, time-management, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

Students faced several challenges during the program, including conflicts with academic, athletic, and extracurricular commitments. The complexity of the projects required additional time to gather information, test features, correct errors, and refine the applications.

Additionally, the school’s summer closure required remaining sessions to be relocated. Despite these setbacks, students maintained their participation and completed their work, learning to adapt when plans changed and remain focused on a shared goal.

Grand Final AI Showcase at City Hall

The program concluded with a Grand Final AI Showcase on July 21, 2026, at Rancho Cordova City Hall. Students presented their projects, demonstrated the three AI application modules, and answered questions from guests.

The showcase brought together community and technology leaders, including Suvidha International Foundation Directors Vandna Sharma and Bala Kodavatikanti, FCUSD Board Vice President Y.K. Chalamcharla, Citizen.AI Director Rajesh Yakkali, and local technology professionals Venkat Nagam, Tripti Verma, Shashank Rao, Ramakrishna Danthu, Vasishta Kyatham, and Prasad Bodapati.

Also attending were SMUD representatives Kevin Burdick and Tran Wilson, Cordova Recreation and Park District Director Eric Sloan, as well as parents and community members. The showcase highlighted the value of partnerships among schools, nonprofit organizations, local government, utilities, families, and technology professionals in advancing AI and STEM education.

This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.