Bridge to AI:
Transforming
Outcomes for East
Bay Youth
Bridge to AI is more than a program—it’s a pathway.Bridge to AI is more than a program—it’s a pathway. “In the age of AI, East Bay youth deserve every opportunity to ignite their potential. We’re not“In the age of AI, East Bay youth deserve every opportunity to ignite their potential. We’re not just preparing young people for the future, we’re helping them shape it—with education rootedjust preparing young people for the future, we’re helping them shape it—with education rooted in ethics, belonging, and intergenerational connections.”in ethics, belonging, and intergenerational connections.” -Alli Chagi-Starr, Program Director, Bridge to AI-Alli Chagi-Starr, Program Director, Bridge to AI Interim Director, Upward Bound, Notheastern UniversityInterim Director, Upward Bound, Notheastern University Bridge to AI is more than a program—it’s a pathway.
“In the age of AI, East Bay youth deserve every opportunity to ignite their potential. We’re not just preparing young people for the future, we’re helping them shape it—with education rooted in ethics, belonging, and intergenerational connections.” -Alli Chagi-Starr, Program Director, Bridge to AI
Interim Director, Upward Bound, Notheastern University
Rooted in Oakland, Bridge to AI introduces students
to responsible AI through ethics, foundational skills,
interactive skill building, and professional pathways,
while providing a certificate of completion to
support college and career journeys.
In Summer 25, we piloted our first Bridge to AI
program as part of our paid internship program with
30 rising juniors and seniors graduating with a
certificate of completion.
Mission & Impact
Alli Chagi-Starr, MBA
Bridge to AI Program Director,
Interim Director, Upward Bound
Selena Wilson
CEO, East Oakland Youth
Development Center
Asst. Teaching Professor
Khoury College, Northeastern
Rasika Bhalerao, PhD
Jenée Smith
Software Developer
AI/STEM Trainer
Nikki Lowy
Community and Government
Engagement, City AI Working
Group, Northeastern
Carrie Maultsby-Lute
Head of Partnerships,
Director, AI Innovation Hub,
Northeastern
Program
Design Lead
Trainers
& Community Partners
K e n n a n S c o t t
C o - D i r e c t o r
E m p a t h w a y D e s i g n s
Northeastern
Advisors
Ethical
Foundational
College & Careers
Interactive
Core Program Components
Offering a foundational
understanding of the impact of
AI, skill building across
applications, how AI is used in
the workplace and
considerations for educational
settings
Rooted in ethical and
responsible frameworks
addressing the pitfalls of bias,
unexamined informational
sources, sustainability, equity,
and developmental
considerations
Particpants receive team
building skills, hands on
projects, peer-to-peer
support and mentorship
from faculty, staff, and
industry professionals.
College access and career
support, certificats of
completion, professional
career paneld, coaching, and
support for full-ride
scholarships to
Northeastern
Responsible AI knowledge and inclusive STEM pathways are essential to the long-term resilience and prosperity of our city.
T r a i n i n g 7 5 + O a k l a n d Y o u t h i n 2 0 2 5 - 2 6 ! P a r t n e r s h i p w i t h O a k l a n d T e c h n i c a l H S t h i s f a l l ! P a r t n e r i n g w i t h E a s t O a k l a n d Y o u t h D e v e l o p m e n t C e n t e r - P a i d I n t e r n s h i p s ! L a u n c h i n g A I E d u c a t o r s W o r k i n g G r o u p t h i s m o n t h ! A l s o l a u n c h i n g / s c a l i n g A I w o r k w i t h :
S m a l l b u s i n e s s
C o l l e g e s t u d e n t s
C i t y o f O a k l a n d
L e a d b y L e a r n i n g
S e n i o r c i t i z e n s , a n d b e y o n d !
Bridge to AI: Moving Forward
Solving the Tech Divide & Preparing Oakland Youth for the Future “Bridge to AI is about more than technology—it’s about empowering students to use AI for good, and to do it ethically. We want to empower a new generation of leaders who are equipped to tackle society’s biggest challenges with innovation, integrity, and an eye for AI’s impact on communities..” –Dr. Rasika Bhalerao, Khoury College of Computer Sciences Thank You!