TRAILS AI Camp

The TRAILS AI Camp, hosted by the Computing Catalyst and the Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS), is a program for rising 10th- and 11th-grade students to explore what trust in artificial intelligence looks like from social and technical viewpoints.

five campers wearing TRAILS t-shirts in front of their presentation that says "real world example"
six girls collaborating on code

In this three-week, non-residential research learning experience, participants will explore the ethical dilemmas of AI through team projects, industry field trips and guest speaker presentations. They will also learn how to create AI solutions responsibly through active collaboration with faculty members from the University of Maryland, George Washington University and Morgan State University. 

Application Deadlines

Applications are open now for TRAILS AI Camp 2026! Apply by Friday, March 27, for consideration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • In summer 2026, the TRAILS AI Camp will run from July 20 through August 7. Please note that the first week of the program (July 20–24) will be held asynchronously.

  • The TRAILS AI Camp is a summer program for rising 10th- and 11th-grade students. CompSciConnect alums who recently completed Terp AND are rising 9th graders will also be considered.

  • The cost to attend this program is $600. This fee covers access to our learning management system to complete asynchronous learning, program materials and activity costs. Please do not include the fee at the time of application. The fee is due upon acceptance into the program.

  • Financial assistance is available for those experiencing hardship. The Computing Catalyst offers a need-based scholarship—email catalyst_k12@umd.edu to learn more.

  • Here is the schedule for a typical camp day:

    9 a.m–12 p.m.  Trustworthy AI Discussions & Mini-Projects

    12:15–1:15 p.m.  Lunch

    1:30–4:30 p.m.  Research Group Work

    *Field trips and guest speakers are scheduled during Classroom Instruction time blocks.

  • Students will be expected to complete a series of Python coding assignments and projects to adequately prepare them for the 2-week in-person research experience. This week is critical for setting learners up for success in the TRAILS AI Camp.

  • The research component of the TRAILS AI Camp will blend independent project work with faculty mentorship. Participants will work on mini research projects related to the content they learn in the morning and the research topics of the research mentors. 

  • Lab meetings take place in the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering.

K-12 Summer Camps

Since 2023, TRAILS has hosted linked trustworthy-AI-focused K–12 summer camps and undergraduate research programs at the University of Maryland, George Washington University, and Morgan State University.

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