The People's Money (2024-2025)

All areas.

Youth

Older Adults

Public Housing Residents

Justice Impacted People

People with Disabilities

Limited English Speakers

Immigrants/ Migrants

Veterans

LGBTQ+ People

Parents

Unhoused People

Low Income People

Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color

This is an all-inclusive program; everyone is welcome, no matter their background.

Technology often advances at breakneck speeds and this is especially true in the realm of Artificial Intelligence and Generative Learning (that draw upon generative pretrained transformers or GPT) technology, which is releasing new functionalities and capabilities every day\n\nAs usual, underserved communities tend to be left out of the latest advancements in just about everything. We experience disparities in access to important things that many take for granted. We live with inequities in financial stability, a relative lack of access to medical care, fewer opportunities for professional advancement, and most critically, our kids simply do not have the same quality of educational programs that exist in more privileged communities. In terms of technology, artificial intelligence and generative learning, our kids are being left in the dust! And the gap is widening at an exponential pace that may never be made up. Like learning to talk or walk, digital literacy is a formational skill that can most effectively be acquired at an early age, so we are losing precious time to address this crisis. \n\nThe digital divide that exists in NYC, with underserved communities lacking equitable access to AI generative learning opportunities, stems from structural challenges. Many of our families are low-income and cannot afford to purchase the latest technology like tablets and laptops, or afford monthly subscriptions to AI-powered educational software. We've made strides in providing more equitable access to broadband internet, and now is the time to seize the moment and take advantage of what we've accomplished in this regard and channel it to our very best advantage. \n\nStudies show the digital literacy gap is generational and cumulative. Many of our parents and caretakers have limited experience with technology and lack the digital skills to guide and support our kid's Generative AI education. When a tablet is used as a babysitter to keep our kids occupied, without guidance, the technology can do more harm than good! Not only do our kids miss out on healthy physical activities, we allow their minds to be dulled by passive screen time, addictive meaningless videos, and the risk of exposure to inappropriate content. It's critically important to understand that when used mindfully, technology supports many areas of cognitive development, language acquisition, fine motor skills, and analytical abilities. When used passively without guidance and unmoderated, use of technology can actually impede intellectual, social development and harm physical health.\n\nGenerative Learning AI is such a new area for educators that most schools do not offer courses that specialize in Generative Learning or use any form of Artificial Intelligence. Many schools actually banned the use of AI! So it's understandable that many schools, especially in underserved communities, lack the training, support and infrastructure needed to effectively integrate Generative Learning tools into their teaching practices. \n\nWe must address and reverse this mentality and engage the minds of our students and teachers in the best practices and advantages that our iVirtue AI platform offers. For once, many of our kids may have the possibility to start from a more even playing field. We can start with childhood development offering educational programming at a surprisingly early elementary school age, Kindergarten through 5th grade, with kids from as young as 4 years to 12 years of age. If a child is capable of playing a mindless game or scrolling through video shorts, they can learn to use Generative AI technology for an enhanced educational experience and a head start in a highly competitive and quickly evolving arena.\n

This project proposes a multifaceted approach to bridging the AI digital divide in partnership with parents and families, schools and community organizations, with an emphasis on bringing AI Generative Learning education opportunities to at risk communities. \n\nKey elements of this solution include:\n\n\nCourses for parents, tutors and caretakers are a keystone to the successful implementation of this program. Just like learning to read, we guide parents and families in developmentally appropriate activities. As parents of children in this age range, we have developed a curriculum tailored for early learners that will introduce foundational AI concepts through interactive and engaging activities, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy.\n\nJust as providing guidance in the use of technology is vital to the success of a parent or caretaker in their children's development, we provide training and resources to teachers in schools to effectively teach Generative Learning. We seek to empower educators with professional development workshops for teachers to build their familiarity, confidence and capacity to integrate AI tools into their teaching practices, ensuring sustainable impact beyond the workshops.\n\nWe have already produced a successful pilot project at Dos Amigos Elementary - School in the Square, where we have developed age-appropriate curriculum K - 4th grade in Generative Learning. We built a program from scratch, incorporating the pedagogical philosophies from educators, AI specialists, experts and community partners. Because we are in uncharted waters, we must recruit and train qualified educators and program staff, focusing on individuals with a passion for Generative AI education and experience working with young learners.\n\nThe mainstay of our program is Generative Art and Storytelling for children 6 to 11 years in middle school grades 1 through 5. The students use Generative AI tools to facilitate creative imaging, poetry, art, music, and storytelling. These new skills not only reinforce traditional curriculum offerings in reading, spelling, expression, they also encourage imaginative exploration as they develop digital skills. With mindful guidance, AI is not a crutch or replacement for foundational learning, but rather can be a springboard to stimulate the imagination and encourage productivity while taking advantage of the unique efficiencies of the AI applications.\n\nNew AI-Powered Educational Games and activities are being rolled out every day. Gamified learning can also introduce basic computer sciences, coding concepts, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills. Their future is now, and we want our kids not to be left behind and to excel in their academic life.\n\nTo access underserved communities we will deploy mobile Generative Learning Workshops at schools and community that utilizes specially equipped van with digital devices and broadband wifi in targeted neighborhoods, where we offer workshops in generative storytelling, analytical problem solving and creative imaging, in schools, after-school programs, libraries, public parks and community centers. These mobile workshops can provide access to AI technology and resources in areas where they simply do not exist! \n\nOne of the more popular hands-on AI activities is in robotics, but the materials are simply too expensive and well out of reach to be on par with more privileged schools. Generative Learning can provide an academic foundation to prepare students to interact with robots and participate in hands-on projects to understand how AI can be applied to real-world scenarios. In effect, we are an Artificial Intelligence based STEAM program.\n\nAlthough we understand this program is not for capital funds, our primary expenses are to obtain the technology needed for mobile workshops, such as AI-optimized tablets and laptops with protective cases, and maintain software subscriptions, and reliable internet access. In our experience, in working with children, the devices must be properly configured with the latest age-appropriate guideposts, Generative Learning software and disability accessibility to be fully inclusive, compliant and successful. Our programs require mindful focus and concentration, skills desperately needed by children with limited attention spans that quickly become distracted if the connection drops or applications quit. They need fully functioning tools and software to stay engaged.\n\nCommunity and organizational partnerships are essential. Every program, workshop or presentation will collaborate with established organizations in each borough. As such, a citywide initiative will work with local schools that express interest, community center or organization. \n\nWe'll enlist organizations with strong local ties to ensure that the programs align with community needs and utilize existing resources. This will be a path to cultivate relationships with potential grant funders and corporate sponsors to secure additional resources and sustain the program beyond the initial year.\n<br>\nHere are five organizations and schools in underserved communities in Brooklyn that could partner with our initiative:\n\n1. Brownsville Community Development Corporation (BCDC)\nA key stakeholder in the Brownsville area, BCDC provides resources for youth and families, including educational and health initiatives. They can support hosting mobile workshops and connecting with local families.\n\n\n2. P.S. 156 Waverly School\nLocated in Bedford-Stuyvesant, this elementary school serves a predominantly low-income student population. Partnering with P.S. 156 could help integrate generative learning programs into existing educational frameworks.\n<p>\n3. CAMBA\nOperating across Brooklyn, CAMBA supports low-income residents with education, job training, and youth development services. They can provide venues for workshops and assist in outreach to underserved communities.\n\n\n4. Brooklyn Public Library (Central and Branch Locations)\nLibraries such as the Brownsville or Flatbush branches of the Brooklyn Public Library are vital community hubs. They offer free digital resources and could serve as venues for your mobile Generative AI Learning Workshops.\n\n\n5. The HOPE Program\nBased in Downtown Brooklyn, this organization offers training and education programs for adults and youth, focusing on building sustainable skills. They could collaborate to involve older students or parents in the generative AI training programs.\n\n\n\nThese organizations and schools are well-positioned to help bridge the digital divide by providing access to their networks and facilities while supporting program implementation in underserved Brooklyn communities.

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