AI Citizenship Program
An interdisciplinary program on AI & Humanities
Why
AI is developing at an astonishing speed. As it gets increasingly integrated into our society, learning it will be a way of gaining power.However, teaching AI only through technical lens is not sufficient. While AI will have immense benefits, it also comes with a set of consequences which need to be studied, understood, and challenged.
Children are the citizens of tomorrow. They are the ones who would be steering this revolution. So, to align AI with the benefit of their communities, these children need to grasp the technicalities of AI, while also developing a strong social lens.
Learning AI will give the children power. Learning humanities will help them build a character. And as Eric Liu, an author and strategist, says --------------------->
Power + Character = Great Citizen
What children learn
Rather than focusing on any single tool, AI Citizenship Program focuses on foundational and conceptual understanding of machine learning principles as well as diverse interdisciplinary areas on AI and Humanities.
Data, labelling, and learning
Children explore how AI learns from data, uncovering how gaps and errors in datasets lead to misclassifications. They learn to design, test, and evaluate AI systems responsibly—linking technical accuracy with real-world social impact.
Putting AI to work
Children experiment with image generators and language models to see how prompts shape AI outputs. They learn to refine inputs, distinguish generation from retrieval, and critically engage with AI as a creative and conversational tool.
Copyrights and AI Art
Children explore ethical and legal questions about copyright: whether an AI can be considered an artist, who owns AI-generated creations, and whether it’s fair to train models on human-created art without permission.
Patterns, people, and accountability
Children learn how AI recognizes patterns across images, sounds, and data—and why errors matter. They connect technical flaws to issues, reflecting on accountability in real-world AI use.
Misinformation and Manipulation
Learners explore how AI can be used to produce fake content like images of events that never happened, people who don’t exist, or impersonations. They discuss how quickly misinformation can spread and how AI-generated visuals can manipulate public opinion, politics, and economics.
AI Evolution, Misalignment & Control
Children compare human and AI cognition, exploring how machines evolve faster but lack true understanding. They reflect on risks of misaligned goals, loss of control, and the urgent need for safe, transparent AI.
Bias and Fairness
Children investigate how AI reflects and reinforces social biases, from stereotypes in images to unequal representation. They learn to measure, question, and design against bias, linking technology with justice and fairness.
Inside Generative AI
Children peek under the hood of generative AI, learning how images and text are created from patterns in data. They explore training, fine-tuning, and prediction, gaining insight into the mechanics behind creativity in machines.
Scrolling, Surveillance, and autonomy
Children investigate how social media uses AI to track behavior, shape feeds, and influence choices. They reflect on consent, manipulation, and the impact of AI-driven platforms on personal autonomy and wellbeing.
How
AI Citizenship Program is a 100-hour intervention for grades 6-8.
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It is delivered in-person with teacher:student ratio of 1:20 and consists of hands-on activities in small groups.
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It consists of multiple modules that are implemented at regular intervals over two to three years.
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We use our custom-built tools & interfaces that have guardrails in place & to avoid exposure to public AIs.
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We assess & track progress through well-designed baseline, endline & retention tests.
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We focus on conceptual understanding and critical thinking in context of AI.
