Suvidha Foundation launches California AI student program

Twenty five students built beginner AI applications through a 12 week after school program in Rancho Cordova.

Suvidha International Foundation, a California-based nonprofit organization, has completed a 12-week after-school artificial intelligence development program that introduced 25 high school students at Cordova High School to AI concepts and application development.

The program, supported by Sacramento Municipal Utility District through its Shine Award, ran from April through July 2026 for students in grades 9 through 12, including those with little or no prior experience in AI or computer programming. Cordova High School and local technology businesses Tech Yantra, ERTech Pros and WATI also supported the initiative.

Students began by learning AI fundamentals, Python programming, responsible AI practices, problem-solving techniques and application design. They then worked in teams to develop beginner-level AI applications focused on energy efficiency, sustainability and community services.

The event was attended by representatives from SMUD, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, the Cordova Recreation and Park District, Suvidha International Foundation, Citizen.AI, local technology professionals, parents and community members. / Handout

Before creating their final projects, students built basic e-commerce applications to understand the process of planning, developing, testing and improving AI tools. The exercise introduced them to identifying user needs, organizing information, integrating AI features and resolving technical issues before moving on to more complex projects.

The students were divided into three teams, each developing an AI application module centered on SMUD-related services. The projects included a Bill Comparison module to help users better understand electricity use and costs, an Issue Reporting module for reporting utility-related concerns while emphasizing that emergencies such as downed power lines require immediate safety action, and an Incentive Finder module designed to help users locate energy efficiency programs, rebates and incentives.

Program organizers said the applications remain at the beginner stage and require additional testing, updated information, expert review and refinement before broader public use. Beyond technical knowledge, students developed teamwork, communication, leadership, time management, presentation and problem-solving skills while completing the projects.

Participants also navigated scheduling conflicts with academic, athletic and extracurricular activities during the program. The closure of the school for summer required the remaining sessions to move to another location. Despite those challenges, students completed the program and presented their work.

The program concluded with a final AI showcase on July 21 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, where students demonstrated their projects and answered questions from attendees.

The program was coordinated by Bhaskar Vempati, founder and president of Suvidha International Foundation. Technical instruction and mentorship were provided by Manoj Yakkali of Citizen.AI.

According to the foundation, parents said the program increased students' confidence, strengthened their problem-solving abilities and expanded their interest in AI, STEM education and technology careers.

Suvidha International Foundation said it plans to expand the pilot initiative by creating additional opportunities for students to gain hands-on AI experience with support from mentors, industry professionals and community partners.

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