Gen AI Bootcamps

A community program teaching autistic high schoolers (13–18) about generative AI — how it works, what it's for, and how to use it responsibly. Department of Social Services funded, and the program AI Lift Off grew out of.

Autistic teens 13–18 Curtin × WADSIH SARC grant Delivered

Overview

Curriculum Lead & Facilitator, Curtin University · January 2025 – July 2026

The Gen AI Bootcamps teach autistic high schoolers aged 13–18 about generative AI — how it works, what it's for, and how to use it responsibly. A Department of Social Services funded community program, it builds AI literacy, applied skills, confidence and social connection in a cohort underserved by mainstream pathways.

Delivered through Curtin University's Autism Academy (AASQA) in partnership with WADSIH (WA Data Science Innovation Hub), with the Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG). The program is a supported pathway rather than a one-off event, and it's the program that AI Lift Off grew out of.

Why it matters: around 42% of autistic Australians were employed in 2022, versus roughly 85% of people without disability. The Bootcamps open a door into STEM and AI for a cohort underserved by mainstream pathways.

The setup

Delivered through Curtin University's Autism Academy (AASQA) in partnership with WADSIH, with the Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG).

Funded by a Department of Social Services SARC grant — over two years
Capacity to reach up to 150 young autistic Australians
Delivered across Perth, Mandurah, and Geraldton

Aligned with the National Autism Strategy 2025–31, and recognised in a federal ministerial media release at the strategy's launch.

The format

Multi-day intensive bootcamps — typically four days — run in the school holidays, backed by online learning and ongoing mentorship. A supported pathway, not a single event.

Hands-on AI projects with wellbeing activities woven throughout
Generative AI applications and prompting
Ethics and responsible system design
Online learning and mentorship between and after the intensives

What I did

Curriculum Lead & Facilitator · January 2025 – [end date]

Developed all curriculum content and materials, including purpose-built online frameworks designed around interest-based learning and participant safety
Recruited and managed the mentor team
Sourced contractors for wellbeing activities and organised industry speakers
Coordinated with location managers and industry partners across multiple disciplines

To add: the end date of my Curriculum Lead & Facilitator role (currently ongoing).

Delivered so far

Bootcamps run across metropolitan and regional Western Australia — 150+ autistic young people reached to date.

1

Perth Metro

Curtin University.
July 2025
2

Mandurah

Regional WA.
October 2025
3

Perth

Lyn Beazley Academy.
February 2026
4

Perth Metro

Curtin University.
April 2026
5

Geraldton

Geraldton Senior High School.
July 2026

What we cover

Generative AI applications and real-world uses
Prompting and getting the best out of AI tools
Ethics and responsible use of AI
Responsible AI system design
Wellbeing and social-connection activities woven throughout

Why it matters

Autistic Australians are underserved by mainstream STEM pathways, and the employment gap is stark.

The Bootcamps build AI literacy, applied skills, confidence and social connection — aligned with the National Autism Strategy 2025–31.

Impact

150+ autistic young people reached across metro and regional Western Australia
A supported pathway into AI and STEM for a cohort underserved by mainstream programs
Growing AI literacy, applied skills, confidence and social connection in each cohort
Recognised federally at the launch of the National Autism Strategy 2025–31
Provided the foundation from which AI Lift Off grew