Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the world, and high school is the perfect time to dive into this exciting field. Starting an AI club at your school not only prepares you for a future in STEM but also showcases leadership and initiative—qualities that colleges love to see. Katherine McKean, a sophomore at Incline High School in Lake Tahoe and founder of the Incline High School Artificial Intelligence Club, shares her insights on starting and running a successful AI club. Follow these updated best practices to launch your own!

1. Define Your Purpose and Niche

Every great club starts with a clear purpose. What will make your AI club stand out? Is it focusing on AI in education, exploring ethical AI, or providing hands-on coding workshops? Katherine advises, “Don’t be afraid to think big. Our club started with a vision to empower students with AI skills and encourage ethical discussions about AI’s impact on the world.”

If your school already has a computer science or robotics club, position your AI club as a unique offering. For example, focus on machine learning tutorials, data analysis projects, or hosting community events on AI awareness.

2. Build a Strong Team

A motivated and dependable leadership team is essential. Katherine suggests looking for team members who share your passion for AI and are reliable collaborators. “Your cabinet is your support system,” she says. “Choose people who are excited to take on roles like event planning, managing finances, or leading technical workshops.”

Conduct interviews or simply invite friends who share your enthusiasm for AI. Make sure everyone is aligned with the club’s goals and ready to contribute.

3. Secure a Faculty Advisor

Finding a supportive faculty advisor is critical for your club’s success. This person will help guide your activities, approve your club’s documents, and provide a meeting space. “We were lucky to have a science teacher who was just as curious about AI as we were,” Katherine shares. “Look for someone who sees the value in your vision and can champion your cause.”

Approach your computer science or STEM teachers first, but don’t hesitate to reach out to other educators who might share an interest in AI or technology.

4. Get School Approval

Before your club can officially begin, you’ll need to navigate your school’s approval process. This usually involves submitting a constitution and charter to the student leadership organization. “We started early and got everything in order before the school year began,” Katherine recalls. “It saved us a lot of stress later.”

Make sure your documents clearly outline your club’s mission, goals, and planned activities. Be thorough, and seek advice from your advisor if needed.

5. Spread the Word

Recruiting members is one of the most exciting parts of starting a club. Use multiple platforms to promote your club, from social media to posters in the hallways. Most schools also host a “Club Rush” or similar event where you can set up a booth to attract students.

“During our first Club Rush, we set up an AI demo that showcased a chatbot we built,” says Katherine. “It really got people talking and curious about what they could learn by joining.” Consider offering hands-on activities or snacks to draw interest, and be ready to answer questions about your club.

6. Plan Meaningful Meetings

Once you’ve gathered members, your next challenge is to keep them engaged. Katherine emphasizes the importance of preparation: “Plan meetings that are fun, interactive, and educational. We balance technical workshops with discussions about AI ethics and its real-world applications.”

Some ideas include:

• Coding tutorials using platforms like Python or Scratch for AI beginners.

• Guest speakers from local tech companies.

• AI challenges or hackathons with small prizes.

• Exploring AI’s role in areas like climate change, healthcare, or the arts.

The key is to create value for your members while fostering a sense of community. “Make every meeting an opportunity for members to learn something new and feel inspired,” Katherine advises.

A Final Note

Starting an AI club is a rewarding journey, but it takes persistence and vision. “The best advice I can give is to just start,” Katherine says. “Even if you’re unsure of every detail, take the first step and build from there. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.”

With these steps and a bit of determination, you’ll not only create a space to explore the fascinating world of AI but also inspire others to join you on the journey. Good luck!

Further reading on AI from a high school perspective