Suvidha Foundation Empowers California Students With Practical AI Training

India-West News Desk

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA – Twenty-five high school students here completed a 12-week artificial intelligence training program organized by Suvidha International Foundation, gaining hands-on experience in AI and software development despite having little or no previous background in the subject.

The after-school initiative ran from April through July 2026 for students in grades 9 through 12 at Cordova High School. Backed by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) Shine Award, the program was also supported by Cordova High School and local technology companies Tech Yantra, ERTech Pros and WATI.

Rather than jumping straight into AI projects, students first learned the building blocks of the technology through lessons in AI fundamentals, Python programming, responsible AI practices, problem-solving and application design. They then created basic e-commerce applications, giving them practical experience in planning, building, testing and refining software before moving on to larger assignments.

The final phase of the program saw students split into three teams to develop beginner-level AI tools tied to utility services. One team designed a bill comparison module to help users better understand electricity usage and costs. Another created an issue-reporting module for utility-related concerns while making clear that dangerous situations such as downed power lines require immediate safety action. A third team developed an incentive finder to help residents locate energy-efficiency rebates and other available programs.

Organizers said the applications are still in the early stages and will need further testing, updated information and expert review before they are ready for wider public use.

The program concluded with an AI showcase on July 21 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, where students demonstrated their projects and answered questions from guests. Among those attending were representatives of SMUD, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, the Cordova Recreation and Park District, Citizen.AI, Suvidha International Foundation, local technology professionals, parents and other community members.

Beyond learning technical skills, participants also strengthened their abilities in teamwork, communication, leadership, time management and presentations. Students balanced the program alongside school, sports and other extracurricular commitments, and continued attending sessions after the school year ended, with classes shifting to a different location during the summer.

The after-school initiative ran from April through July 2026 for students in grades 9 through 12 at Cordova High School. Backed by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) Shine Award, the program was also supported by Cordova High School and local technology companies Tech Yantra, ERTech Pros and WATI.

Rather than jumping straight into AI projects, students first learned the building blocks of the technology through lessons in AI fundamentals, Python programming, responsible AI practices, problem-solving and application design. They then created basic e-commerce applications, giving them practical experience in planning, building, testing and refining software before moving on to larger assignments.

The final phase of the program saw students split into three teams to develop beginner-level AI tools tied to utility services. One team designed a bill comparison module to help users better understand electricity usage and costs. Another created an issue-reporting module for utility-related concerns while making clear that dangerous situations such as downed power lines require immediate safety action. A third team developed an incentive finder to help residents locate energy-efficiency rebates and other available programs.

Organizers said the applications are still in the early stages and will need further testing, updated information and expert review before they are ready for wider public use.

The program concluded with an AI showcase on July 21 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, where students demonstrated their projects and answered questions from guests. Among those attending were representatives of SMUD, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, the Cordova Recreation and Park District, Citizen.AI, Suvidha International Foundation, local technology professionals, parents and other community members.

Beyond learning technical skills, participants also strengthened their abilities in teamwork, communication, leadership, time management and presentations. Students balanced the program alongside school, sports and other extracurricular commitments, and continued attending sessions after the school year ended, with classes shifting to a different location during the summer.

The program was led by Bhaskar Vempati, founder and president of Suvidha International Foundation. Technical mentoring and classroom instruction were provided by Manoj Yakkali of Citizen.AI.

The foundation said feedback from parents indicated that students came away with greater confidence, stronger problem-solving abilities and a deeper interest in artificial intelligence, STEM learning and technology-related careers.