AI (artificial intelligence) is everywhere. 77% of our devices use some form of AI! Indeed, for better or worse, we are in an AI revolution where AI is transforming how we think, how we interact with each other and the world around us, and how we do our jobs.
There are a lot of competing narratives about AI–everything from ‘AI is going to save humanity’ to ‘AI is going to destroy our ability to think’. We read stories about AI helping to develop new cancer drugs followed by stories about AI using more water than all the water bottles consumed in 2025. It is hard to know what to think.
This camp will give students a chance to learn about and use AI technologies and to explore these ethical issues and competing narratives about AI. Over the course of the week, students will work with experts in technology, in media ethics, in marketing, in computer science, in game development, in cybersecurity, among others, to think about the role of technology in the 21st century, where AI helps and hurts us, and what our roles can be.
During the week students will:
- Meet with a leading cybersecurity firm to learn about how to protect data
- Develop their own online game
- Learn about drones and experiment with VR headsets
- Create an eye-tracking program
- Debate the ethics of AI–when is it ok to use? When is it not?
- Think about how AI is changing the way we speak, write, and learn
- Understand how AI influences what you spend money on
June 21–26, 2026
Students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2026
$1900
Cost includes: participation in (and transportation for) all sessions, activities, labs, program supplies, field trips, entrance fees, use of college recreational facilities, meals, lodging and snacks.
Check-in: Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out: Friday, 2:30 p.m.
Required forms
Faculty
Alexis Ramsey-Tobienne, Academic Director
Assistant Dean for AI and Learning Integrity
Julia Hildebrand
Associate Professor of Communication
Michael Hilton
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Virginie Kharé
Associate Professor of International Business
Bjoern Muetzel
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Room and Board
Facilities
Few colleges have a more attractive setting than Eckerd College. Our 188-acre waterfront campus provides a magnificent atmosphere and safe environment. Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, just off I-275, exit 17.
Directions & MapCounselors
Residential counselors work with students in the late afternoons, evenings and overnight. Staff consists of well-trained Eckerd College students and recent graduates eager to share their enthusiasm for learning.
Housing
Students will live in air-conditioned Eckerd College student residence halls in double-occupancy rooms, reserved exclusively for participants in this program. At least one Counselor will reside in a single room alongside participants on each floor of each single-sex residence hall.
Meals
Student participants will eat in the main cafeteria which can accommodate allergies, lactose and gluten-free diets. We also have kosher, vegetarian and vegan options available to students. If you have particular needs, please be sure to note them on the General and Medical Information form.
Refund Policy
| Withdrawal Date | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days before start date | 100% |
| 30 days before start date | 50% |
| 20 days before start date | 20% |
| <20 days before start date | 0% |
Processing fee of $25 is non-refundable.
No refund will be issued for the following:
- If a participant fails to show up for the program.
- If a participant is dismissed from the program by the College.
Participants who cancel their registration and are eligible for a refund should contact precollege@eckerd.edu or 727.864.8422.
Subscribe to Receive Pre-College Program Updates:
Quick Contact
Kristen Rynerson
Conference and Pre-College Coordinator
precollege@eckerd.edu
727.864.8422
