How the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA are paving AI futures with teens

Photo credit: Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania

By Amanda Sullivan of the National Girls Collaborative Project

Reaching and supporting older youth through afterschool STEM requires creativity and adaptive models. This blog is part of a series showcasing afterschool programs serving older youth through STEM engagement. If you are involved with or know of an afterschool STEM program that is impactfully engaging older youth, please let us know by emailing us at stemhub@afterschoolalliance.org.

Across the greater Pittsburgh area, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) is actively supporting young people to realize their potential. BGCWPA is one of the largest out-of-school-time providers in the region, serving over 10,500 youth annually across Allegheny and Somerset Counties. From morning to evening, the BGCWPA ensures that children and teens are supported, heard, and surrounded by community. Here, they find their voice and start paving the path to their future. 

Founded in 1888, BGCWPA has always been dedicated to activating the potential of youth. Their core model—safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing programs—remains constant, and how they deliver these opportunities evolves with the needs of the communities they serve. By staying adaptable, resilient, and innovative, BGCWPA ensures they are always ready to serve youth and families.

The BGCWPA has evolved in recent years by embracing the need to engage older youth and teens with cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming. These initiatives provide a working knowledge of STEM concepts, applications, and ethical concerns, equipping young people to understand the rapidly growing technology that is drastically changing our world.

One example of how BGCWPA is doing this is through their summer Artificial Intelligence Pathways Institute (AIPI) Activation Camp. The AIPI camp is a free, three-week summer program designed for rising 9th–12th grade students to explore the fundamentals of AI. Through hands-on learning and real-world applications, students gain a strong foundation in what AI is, how it works, and its potential impact on our world. The camp culminates in an exciting competition day, where participants put their skills to the test in a variety of AI challenges, from navigating robotics courses to creating AI-generated music. AIPI Activation Camp empowers students to understand and apply AI in meaningful ways, preparing them for future careers and a world increasingly shaped by new technology. 

As one youth participant stated, “What I took away from the program is realizing how much AI is evolving and how integrated it is in our everyday lives. I never really thought about it before — it’s in things like Netflix, YouTube, and all the normal stuff we use without even noticing. It’s amazing to think about how fast it’s advancing."

The AIPI was first established in 2019 as a pilot program by BGCWPA with a vision to create access to Al for underrepresented students. Since then, AIPI has grown to become a national program designed to introduce talented high school students to the concepts and practice of modern computing. The evolution of the BGCWPA's programming demonstrates a consistent dedication to anticipating the needs of youth. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania isn't just offering afterschool and summer activities; they are building the next diverse generation of innovators and problem-solvers by preparing youth for a technology-rich workforce. This commitment ensures that, regardless of background, every young person in the greater Pittsburgh area has the opportunity to turn their potential into a tangible, high-tech future. 

"What I took from this is that you really have to look at something before saying you can't do it. Because sometimes, all you need is to try. People will ask you questions, and there are others around who’ll give you answers—but they also help you understand those answers better."

~ Youth Participant