By the Numbers
95%
of students report increased confidence in AI
90%
build their first working AI app
80%
consider AI-related studies or careers
1,000+
student projects showcased globally
SureStart changing the lives of students all over the world.
of students report increased confidence in AI
build their first working AI app
consider AI-related studies or careers
student projects showcased globally
"Being a part of MIT FutureMakers has genuinely been a once in a lifetime experience. Not only have I learned fantastic technical and power skills, but I've strengthened my network, met inspiring mentors and peers, and broadened my concept of what it means to be a woman in STEM. SureStart created a welcoming and nourishing environment, where women like me are not the exception but the majority. I am so grateful not only for the opportunity to participate in this program, but to be part of this group of empowering women"
"Participating in SureStart was the single best decision of my academic career. As a student from a background underrepresented in Machine Learning, the program provided a supportive springboard into all things AI. The mentorship was fantastic, and I've stayed in contact with my mentors for years. My interest in ML was cemented after SureStart, leading me to pursue a Mathematics degree at Stanford. I graduated this past June and am now starting my Computer Science PhD at Princeton. I would highly recommend SureStart to any young student — it truly changed my life!"
"In 2021, I joined the MIT FutureMakers program through SureStart — an experience that transformed my academic and professional path. I gained advanced knowledge in machine learning and AI, but more importantly, learned the collaborative and ethical mindset essential for leadership in the field. Working with diverse peers and industry experts inspired me to co-found an AI startup and pursue a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Denver. SureStart gave me the confidence, skills, and network to thrive — and now, as a mentor, I'm proud to help the next generation of innovators do the same."
"Participating in SureStart's program was a defining experience in both my academic and entrepreneurial journey. The program didn't just teach me how to build with AI, it helped me understand how to build for impact. Through this, I developed KineX, an AI-powered posture-tracking app designed to make physical therapy more accessible and data-driven. The mentorship and community support were incredible, guiding me from early ideation to a functional prototype and ultimately to pitching at ASU+GSV. SureStart strengthened my confidence in combining computer science, economics, and human-centered design to solve real problems. It gave me the tools, network, and vision to pursue innovation responsibly. I'd recommend this experience to any student who wants to turn their curiosity into tangible change — it truly transformed the way I think about entrepreneurship."
"SureStart was a great way for me to expand my knowledge and interest in AI and technology. I really liked working with a group to build an app that could solve real-world problems. The guidance provided by the mentors was really helpful, and it helped me learn things I had never done before, or even heard of. This program was a great way to start my enjoyment in this developing field of AI and technology."
"Meet Team Code Blue AI, creators of an app that detects stroke symptoms faster than a patient can reach a doctor — now a funded startup!"
SureStart students showcase their AI projects publicly, building confidence and visibility. Winning MIT FutureMakers teams have presented at ASU+GSV AI Show since 2023, including on the main stage before educators, investors, and EdTech leaders.
Watch Presentation"MIT was impressed that I spent my summer trying to actively learn and develop new skills!"
With an admittance rate of just over 4%, Olivia says her experience with the 5-week EMPath program run by SureStart played a pivotal role in helping her get admitted to MIT.
Watch Her Story
"I really didn't know if I wanted to go ahead with machine learning as a career, and being able to actually see all of the ideas on my screen and see it work, it really put into perspective 'oh, maybe this is possible!'"
The SureStart program is about more than just learning new skills, it's also about figuring out how to turn a passion into a career.
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"In any field that I pursued, I've always had someone show me the way. It's really important when you're starting off. It gives you a sense of direction."
One of the core pillars of the SureStart program is mentorship, something that Rezwan says is extremely important when starting out on any new journey. “There are so many resources out there and you can easily get confused on which one to use. You need someone who has had prior experience that can guide you and show you the way.”
For our Spring 2021 Makeathon, students built and presented ethically designed AI solutions. 1st place winner InnovAlte recognized the diverse needs of teen drivers and the ethical implications of automotive tech, designing DriveAID accordingly.
"SureStart's unique skills in finding and developing young diverse talent, matching them with inspirational mentors, and aligning their work with our company's roadmap has given Affectiva a competitive advantage."
