ACF Program Components
AI is taught as a collaborative partner, not a replacement. Drawing from our signature Think With Tools AI curriculum,, students master prompt engineering, metacognition, and ethical AI use. For instance, learners sketch ideas on paper, refine them with AI for code generation and brainstorming, then critically edit outputs to sharpen their own thinking
AI Augmentation
Hands-on exploration of physical computing tools like robotics, IoT sensors, drones, and 3D printing. Students don't just code—they assemble, troubleshoot, and iterate on devices, understanding the tangible impact of tech in the physical world.
Hardware Mastery
We embed LEAN startup principles, GRIT mindset training, and pitch development to transform ideas into viable ventures. Students assess feasibility (e.g., market viability tables from AI-generated concepts), craft persuasive landing pages for fictional products, and present prototypes to mentors, learning to navigate failure as fuel for iteration.
Entrepreneurial Grit
Empowering K-12 Innovationrs through Tech Education
Empowering Tomorrow's Innovator, Today
The Applied Computing Foundation empowers young students in the AI era through hands-on learning in AI, physical computing, and robotics. We foster a growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring students to become creators who confidently shape the future of technology with innovative, project-based solutions.
4,000+ Students Served
50+ Competition Wins
100+ Industry Mentors
95% Parent Satisfaction
20+ School Partnerships
Technology
Master the building blocks of tomorrow with hands-on experience in AI, IoT, robotics, drone, programming and 3D printing.
Entrepreneurship
Develop practical business knowledge, LEAN methodology, and the GRIT mindset needed to turn ideas into reality.
Collaboration
Connect with industry mentors, collaborate with peers, and present your work to build lasting professional relationships.
Learn, Build, Apply
Three Pillars of Innovation
Our holistic approach combines cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurial thinking,
and collaborative innovation to create well-rounded innovators.
Multiple Pathways to Tech Excellence
Programs & Opportunities
School Programs
Integrated curriculum bringing hands-on tech education directly to K-12 classrooms
Duration: Full Academic Year
Age Range: Grades K-12th
-
In-school curriculum integration
-
Teacher training & support
-
Equipment & resource provision
-
Progress tracking & assessment
Summer Camps
Immersive 1-2 week camps where campers collaborate to realize ideas into reality.
Duration: 1-2 Week Sessions
Age Range: 1st-8th Grade
-
In-person Bay Area locations
-
Creating & building projects daily
-
Collaborative team challenges
-
Demo day presentations
After-School Programs
Regular weekly sessions building skills progressively throughout the year.
Duration: Full Academic Year
Age Range: Grades K-12th
-
Weekly 1- 2-hour sessions
-
Skill-building progression
-
Peer collaboration projects
-
Collaborative showcase events
Student Success Stories
Change the World
From national competition champions to innovative problem-solvers, our students are making real impact in their communities and beyond.
ACF students win awards at various competitions including Congressional Awards Challenge, Conrad, Blue Ocean, Broadcom, Synopsys and many more!
Our students design future leveraging emerging technologies. They create solutions to the challenges they face. Our teen startup team projects spans diverse areas including healthcare, sustainability, art, and more.
ACF students forge their own paths, creating innovative jobs and tackling exciting projects that shape the future. They achieve extraordinary success, gaining admission to top-tier universities like Stanford, Yale, UPenn, MIT, UCB, UCLA while our alumni excel at leading companies.
2019
Founded: Years of Impact
4,000+
Students: Lives Changed.
1,500+
Projects: Project-based learning
By the numbers
Our Impact in Numbers
Building a lasting legacy of innovation and opportunity
Sarah Chen
Summer Camp 2023 Smart Irrigation System
“ACF taught me that technology isn't just about coding - it's about solving real problems. My IoT irrigation system now helps local farms save 30% water.”
Marcus Johnson
After-School Program
Disaster Response Robot
"Working with industry mentors showed me how engineers think. Now I'm building robots that can help in emergency situations."
Aisha Patel
School Program
Mental Health Support App
"ACF's focus on collaborative impact inspired my app that connects teens with mental health resources. It's now used in 50+ schools."
Joy H.
After School: Lego Robotics
"My son really enjoyed the Leo Robotics class. I like the fact that the class is taught by a qualified teacher"
Erum Z.
2025 Camp: LEGO Robotics - Space Robotics
"My son had creative learning and loved the instructor and found it a warm, friendly environment which fostered curiosity and experimentation. We highly recommend it to those who want to challenge themselves!"
Ravin Singh
Dive into Python: Build your own calculator
"Wonderful week with lots of learning and fun. My son was really excited about all that he did and the new concepts in robotics, coding and drone flying that he took in."
Ready to Shape the Future?
Parents
Support your child's STEM education journey with our comprehensive programs
Mentors
Share your industry expertise
and inspire the next generation
of innovators
Schools & Educators
Bring cutting-edge tech education to your students
Donors
Invest in the future by supporting accessible STEM education for all students
.png)