January 17-February 14, 2027 | 4 weeks | $6,200*
Spend four weeks at the University of California, Riverside developing an AI-powered solution to a real-world global challenge. Through hands-on coursework, UCR mentorship, site visits and a team-based capstone competition, you'll put AI into practice while building experience you can take into your academic and professional future.
Deadline to Apply: November 20, 2026
Turn AI Knowledge Into Real-World Experience
Move beyond the classroom and learn by building.
This intensive program combines AI coursework with hands-on application development, giving you the opportunity to work as part of a team to design, develop and deploy an AI-powered application.
Along the way, you'll work with UCR academic mentors, explore AI research and innovation at UCR, and experience the technology ecosystem of Southern California.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Build a functional AI application from concept to deployment
- Strengthen your skills in AI, data preparation, large language models and RAG
- Work with UCR academic mentors and researchers
- Develop a portfolio-ready project
- Explore the ethical and social impacts of AI
- Experience UCR's campus and Southern California's technology community
Build AI for Impact
The “AI for Impact” Capstone Competition
The centerpiece of the program is a team-based capstone challenge. You'll identify a pressing global issue and develop an AI-powered solution aligned with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Potential focus areas include:
- Good Health and Well-Being: AI-powered health, accessibility and diagnostic solutions.
- Affordable and Clean Energy: Solutions for energy systems, grid optimization, and electric vehicles.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities: Smart solutions for water, transportation, waste, and other urban challenges.
- Climate Action: AI applications focused on environmental monitoring and climate challenges.
Your team will present a live application and 10-minute pitch to a panel of UCR and industry experts. Winning projects will receive a feature in the UCR Professional and Global Education newsletter, along with an opportunity for continued academic mentorship toward developing the project into a potential paper or white paper.
Learn. Build. Connect.
Your four weeks at UCR combine classroom learning, project development and experiences beyond the classroom.
- Week 1: Ideation & AI Foundations Explore AI principles, form your team, and define your project.
- Week 2: Data & Deep Learning Collect, prepare, and analyze data while developing your AI solution.
- Week 3: LLMs & RAG Explore large language models and Retrieval-Augmented Generation as you build and refine your application.
- Week 4: Deployment & Competition Deploy your application, prepare your pitch, and compete in the “AI for Impact” Capstone Competition.
Learn Alongside UCR Experts
Each team will receive guidance from a UCR academic mentor, such as a graduate student or postdoctoral scholar. Through regular check-ins, code reviews and project consultations, you'll receive support as you develop and refine your application.
The program includes 48 hours of in-person AI coursework and 32 hours of team mentorship.
Experience UCR
Your program experience extends beyond the classroom. You'll have opportunities to explore UCR's campus, connect with student communities and experience AI research and innovation in the region.
Program activities may include:
- Visits to technology and AI-driven organizations
- Research immersion at UCR's RAISE Institute
- Cultural and campus activities
- Student club events and mixers
- Access to select UCR student facilities and resources
Take Your Project Further
Optional Academic Research & Publication Module
Interested in graduate school or research?
Add an optional module focused on turning your capstone project into an academic paper or white paper. You'll learn research and technical writing fundamentals and receive individual feedback from an academic mentor.
Additional Fee: $650 per student (can be selected as an add-on at payment check-out).
Program Details
At a Glance
- Dates: January 17-February 14, 2027
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Program Fee: $4,700 per student
The program fee includes tuition and site visits, application and student services fees, four weeks of health insurance, and accommodation.
Full payment for the program will be due 7 days from admission confirmation.
Housing
Accommodation is provided through Universal Student Housing. Homestay accommodations include a private room and two meals per day. Housing rates are estimated, subject to confirmation, and paid directly to the housing provider.
For additional information about housing options, accommodations, and what to expect, please visit our Housing website.
Who Can Apply
The program is designed for university students interested in AI, technology, engineering and innovation.
- No formal academic prerequisites are required
- Programming, computer science, or engineering experience is highly recommended
- Intermediate English proficiency is recommended
- A B1/B2 U.S. visitor visa is required
Before You Apply
Applications and supporting documents should be submitted at least one month before the program start date. Required documents include a completed application and a clear copy of your passport photo page. Program participation is subject to a minimum enrollment of 15 students.
Full payment for the program will be due 7 days from admission confirmation.
This is a non-credit program. Students may request, for an additional fee, an official UCR PGE transcript documenting instructional hours as Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Student evaluations may also be available upon request, but do not include official grades.
Build Something That Matters
Take your AI skills beyond the classroom and experience innovation at UC Riverside.
*Approximate total fees including housing.