San Francisco, CA: AI Leadership

Set on Wharton’s San Francisco campus, the AI Leadership program puts students at the frontier of the transformational technology of artificial intelligence, focused on its impacts on business and society. During the nine-day program, students will engage directly with AI and GenAI tools to experience the technology hands-on and develop a deeper understanding of how AI will impact their learning, their lives, and the larger creative and business environment they will inhabit.

Overview

The AI Leadership program puts students at the frontier of the transformational technology of artificial intelligence, focused on its impacts on business and society. Students will dig deep into the latest AI developments, ranging from generative AI (GenAI) foundation models to machine learning applications to autonomous vehicles. Based at Wharton San Francisco (WhartonSF), the program allows students to gain a skill set that will place them on the cutting edge of business. With these foundations, students will engage with challenging questions about how AI will change the nature of work and creative activities, as well as how to deploy the technology safely and ethically, as they continue their education and think about their place as future leaders in the business world.  

During the nine-day program, students will engage directly with AI and GenAI tools to experience the technology hands-on and develop a deeper understanding of how AI will impact their learning, their lives, and the larger creative and business environment they will inhabit.  

The AI Leadership program leverages Wharton’s San Francisco campus location, connecting students with the pulse of Silicon Valley's tech innovation. By studying in the heart of the tech industry, students gain unique exposure to pioneering AI companies and thought leaders, offering unmatched insights into the latest developments in AI and digital business. This proximity to top technology firms allows for a rich learning experience, bridging academic concepts with real-world applications and equipping students with the network and knowledge to drive impactful change in AI leadership. 

Wharton AI Leadership participants will: 

  • Attend daily sessions at WhartonSF, learning from Wharton instructors, industry experts, alumni, and advanced students in AI.
  • Visit top AI companies around the San Francisco Bay Area, gaining exclusive insights from innovators at the forefront of technology.
  • Collaborate with peers to tackle a real-world challenge, applying AI tools and insights to create a final project that showcases new skills.
  • Experience the vibrant culture of San Francisco, fully immersing themselves in the city’s signature technology, innovation, and creativity. 

All participants who successfully complete the program will earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.

Details

This program, designed by Wharton faculty and supported by the Wharton AI and Analytics Initiative, equips students with essential AI skills and a deep understanding of ethical and governance issues. The program topics cover foundational concepts, hands-on tools, and leadership skills that are essential for navigating AI’s transformative role in business. 

Academic classes are held Monday through Friday of week one, and Monday through Thursday of week two within the Wharton San Francisco academic campus. Extracurricular and social activities are available in the evenings and on weekends. Students move in on Sunday pre-program, and move out the final Friday of the program.    

While each day varies in format, a typical day includes:  

  • 8:15-8:45 – Shuttle from university dorms to Wharton San Francisco academic campus  
  • 9:00-10:30am – Topics lecture  
  • 10:30-10:45am – Mid-morning break  
  • 10:45-12:00pm – Recitation/small-group activity  
  • 12:00-1:30pm – Lunch & student team meetings  
  • 1:30-2:30 – Topics lecture/guest speaker  
  • 2:30-4:30pm – Simulation or small group activity/company visit throughout the Bay Area  
  • 4:30-5:15 – Shuttle back to university dorms  

Session topics include:  

  • The AI landscape  
  • Foundations of AI and GenAI: Key Concepts and Technologies  
  • Ethical AI: Responsible Innovation and Governance  
  • Real-World Applications of AI in Digital Business  
  • Developing AI Leadership Skills for the Modern Business Landscape  
  • Practical AI Tools: Hands-on Workshops in AI and GenAI Platforms  
  • AI and Content Creation: Shaping the Future of Media and Ideas  

In the evenings, students will have a number of extracurricular and social activities to choose from, as well as opportunities to explore the art, history, and culture of San Francisco. Students can also opt to work on their final project with their group and/or relax at the dorm.  

Please note, some days may not follow this schedule as there could be a site visit off campus or a simulation in lieu of lecture/recitation schedule.  

Eligibility

High school students currently enrolled in grades 9-11 looking to explore artificial intelligence, leadership, and ethics.

Admission 

Admission to Wharton’s AI Leadership program is selective. Selections are based on a record of academic excellence and a genuine interest in technological advancement and leadership. Interested students are strongly encouraged to submit an application by the priority deadline.

Please note that participation in the AI Leadership program does not guarantee admission into Penn. 

Instructional Team

Academic Director: Kevin Werbach

Kevin Werbach is Wharton's Liem Sioe Liong/First Pacific Company Professor. He is Chair of the Department of Legal Studies and Business Ethics at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Kevin Werbach has spent the past three decades studying emerging technology trends. He created the first business school course on AI governance in 2016, and directs the Wharton Blockchain and Digital Asset Project. He has served on the Obama Administration’s Presidential Transition Team, organized the CEO-level Supernova technology conference, and was Counsel for New Technology Policy at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.  

In addition to writing many influential academic articles and testifying multiple times before the U.S. Congress, Werbach has published four books, including The Blockchain and the New Architecture of Trust, For the Win: The Power of Gamification and Game Thinking in Business, Education, Government, and Social Impact, and After the Digital Tornado: Networks, Algorithms, Humanity. He is the host of the podcast The Road to Accountable AI (https://accountableai.net). 

Academic Directors provide guidance to the Wharton Global Youth team on instructor hiring and lead the development of program curriculum. Their responsibilities include designing course topics, recommending activities, selecting readings, and creating capstone projects that align with Wharton academic standards and enrich the summer learning experience.