AUS high school camp trains coders and programmers of tomorrow

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics are among the top jobs of the future. As a leading institution for innovation and technology with a deep understanding of the ever-changing global market, American University of Sharjah (AUS) continues to graduate young innovators through its AUS High School Computing Camp.

The 13th edition of the online computing camp brought together 40 high school students in grades 10 to 12 who gained skills in programming using Python and in developing Internet of Things (IoT) devices, learned about artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, built basic mobile apps, trained on the basics of building and configuring a computer network and digital systems design.

“The popularity of the AUS High School Computing Camp comes from the reputation we have built throughout the years as a launching pad for aspiring young coders and programmers and a nurturing program for students who have no background in computer science and wishing to discover it. We understand at AUS that the future is digital, and it is our role as a higher education institution in the region to graduate innovators and independent thinkers who have 21st century skills to contribute to the UAE’s innovative agenda and global industry. Working at the grassroot level with high school students will teach them logic and problem solving, computation, organization, collaboration and creativity,” said Dr. Imran A. Zualkernan, Professor and Interim Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at AUS.

Annet Cecil, a grade 12 student at The Indian High School in Dubai, said she left the camp with a new skill set.

“I am so grateful to have been part of the 13th AUS High School Computing Camp. I learned a variety of new topics throughout the six-day course and gained more insight into the different fields in computer science and engineering. The instructors and camp coordinators were very understanding, attending to each and every one of our questions. I was a complete beginner to programming in Python and I'm really glad I got the opportunity to learn its basics,” she said.

Talal Al Badareen, a grade 11 student at Sharjah American International School, also spoke about his experience: “This course was one of the most beneficial and interesting courses that I’ve taken. What I have learned will continue to leave a positive impact on my life. The skills I have taken the time to learn while attending this camp are applicable in real life situations, which makes the training compelling. It was a pleasure to attend this camp, and I am very appreciative of the time the trainers spent teaching us and helping us gain the knowledge that we needed.”

AUS offers bachelor’s degree programs in both computer science and computer engineering, along with a master’s degree in computer engineering. For more information about these programs, please visit www.aus.edu/cen/department-of-computer-science-and-engineering.