Applied AI Student Summer Internship

Mission Statement:
Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

Primary Purpose:
The Applied AI Student Intern is a paid, structured Work-Based Learning (WBL) role that gives Uplift scholars hands-on experience using AI tools and agile workflows to solve real problems for the district. Working alongside the Director of Tech Career Development and the Road to College and Career (RTCC) team, interns participate in supervised work-based learning experiences designed to expose scholars to AI tools, agile workflows, and technology career pathways.
Interns will learn and apply the AGENT framework�a structured method for analyzing a workflow and identifying where Applied AI fits responsibly. No prior AI, coding, or data science experience is required. Interns leave the summer with a portfolio of real artifacts, exposure to industry-standard tools, and clearer direction for college and career pathways in technology and AI-enabled business roles. 

This is a temporary, grant-funded summer internship and work-based learning opportunity intended for currently enrolled student participants. All internship activities are conducted under the guidance and supervision of Uplift staff and program mentors as part of a structured educational and career readiness experience. The position is intended to last no longer than five (5) months, subject to program needs, funding availability, participant eligibility, and organizational discretion. Participation and employment in the program are at-will and may be ended by either the participant or Uplift Education at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.
 
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Learn the AGENT Framework and Apply It (~40%)

• Complete onboarding and training on the AGENT framework for analyzing workflows.
• Conduct guided interviews and shadow sessions with RTCC staff and other Uplift colleagues to understand day-to-day operational workflows and processes.
• Map workflows clearly enough that others can follow them and identify where AI or automation could responsibly support operational efficiency and innovation.
• Explain the AGENT framework and demonstrate workflow analysis practices through applied project work and presentations. 

Build with AI Tools (~30%)

• Use industry tools provided through the program � including ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, and GitHub � under supervision and in alignment with program expectations.
• Build small proof-of-concept automations or AI-assisted prototypes tied to real district needs and operational workflows.
• Follow Uplift's AI governance, safety guidelines, and NIST-aligned practices when working with any data or AI-enabled tools.
• Demonstrate responsible use of AI tools and technology platforms in support of project-based learning and operational problem-solving. 

Contribute to Agile Project Work (~20%)

• Participate in agile workflow practices including stand-ups, sprints, code reviews, retrospectives, and collaborative project planning activities.
• Collaborate with peers in the IT Pathway and with industry mentors from partners such as UT Dallas, Computer Visionaries, Founder Space, and Hyperlyft.
• Describe and apply agile concepts and collaborative project management practices within team-based environments.
• Communicate technical findings, workflow recommendations, and project updates clearly in both written and verbal formats to technical and non-technical audiences. 

 
Capstone Project & Portfolio Development (~10%)

• Produce a capstone project demonstrating one analyzed workflow, the AI/automation recommendation, and a working prototype or detailed implementation plan.
• Build a portfolio of artifacts including workflow maps, prompts, prototypes, written reflections, and project documentation suitable for college applications and future job interviews.
• Present capstone work, findings, and recommendations to staff, families, mentors, and program partners at the conclusion of the program.
• Develop awareness of Applied AI and technology-adjacent career pathways and demonstrate increased readiness for postsecondary education and workforce opportunities.

 
Performance Measures
Per the grant's evaluation plan, intern progress will be assessed on:

• Total hours completed (80�120 hours).
• Pre- and post-program surveys.
• Capstone project and portf