USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO BENEFIT SOCIETY AT LARGE

PROMOTING RESEARCH THAT MATTERS

We believe that artificial Intelligence can and should be used to help solve society's grand challenges, especially where traditional techniques have come short.

SUPPORTING PRODUCTIVE DISCOURSE

Often left out of the discussion surrounding AI is the idea that AI can be used as a force for good. We think that this positive potential deserves a place in the AI discussion.

MAKING AI ACCESSIBLE

We feel that it is essential to educate people about the principles behind AI now, so that we can make educated technological decisions in the future.

CREATING A COMMUNITY

Our researchers and developers form life-long relationships that enable them to collaborate well beyond their undergraduate years.

WHAT WE DO

EDUCATE

Each semester, a new cohort of members are walked through an introductory AI curriculum, complete with online lessons and in-person coding workshops.

DEVELOP

Members who are familiar with AI basics or have gone through our curriculum are placed into teams to apply their skills to help solve real world problems.

REACH OUT

In addition to member activities, CAIS++ hosts a variety of public events designed to demystify AI and to empower and inspire students to use AI for social good.

INFORM

By inviting speakers from both academia and industry, we hope to shed light on ways in which AI can be (and already has been) used to benefit society.

INTERESTED IN AI?

Applications for Fall 2021 have closed.

We will be accepting applications for our Fall 2022 cohort in August 2022. Check back for more info around that time!

What can I do to prepare in the meantime?

While we only accept new members in Fall semesters, we value members who are curious and self-motivated to learn about AI and lead impactful projects. Check out our preparation guide below!

For Beginners

For Intermediates

For Experts

CAIS++ Resources

Check out the CAIS++ Curriculum

CAIS++ Resources

Check out the CAIS++ Special Topics

CAIS++ Resources

Check out the CAIS++ Reading List

Online Courses

Andrew Ng - Machine Learning
DeepLizard - Reinforcement Learning

Online Courses

Cal CS 285 - Deep RL

USC MATH Courses

MATH 225 Linear Algebra
MATH 226 Calculus III

USC MATH Courses

MATH 407 Probability Theory

USC MATH Courses

MATH 447 Math of ML

USC CSCI Courses

CSCI 104 Data Structures

USC CSCI Courses

CSCI 360 Intro to AI
CSCI 461 AI for Sustainable Development
CSCI 567 Machine Learning

USC CSCI Courses

CSCI 544 Applied NLP
CSCI 670 Advanced Analysis of Algorithms
CSCI 699 Advanced Topics in DL

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I don't know any AI. Am I eligible to apply?

Our mission is to make artificial intelligence accessible to students from all backgrounds, wherever they might be with AI now. Though prior AI experience is not necessary, we look for members are able to demonstrate passion for research, technology, social good, and critical thinking ability.

How can I stand out from other applicants?

To demonstrate the potential of AI for social good, many of our projects demand rigorous involvement, self-motivation, and technical experience. Some activities that may demonstrate these skills are prior project experience, AI implementation, and reading research literature.

What can I expect to gain out of joining CAIS++?

We are a community of researchers, engineers, and scientists passionate about discovering the possibilities the potential of data and machine learning. If this sounds like you, we look forward to meeting you and exploring the possibilities of AI together.

Can master students apply to CAIS++?

Unfortunately, we only accept undergraduate USC students.

When is the recruitment cycle?

CAIS++ opens up recruitment during August of every year. Unfortunately, we do not take new students in the Spring.

Where are CAIS++ alumni now?

Check out where CAIS++ alumni are now on our alumni page!


If there are any outstanding questions, feel free to email us at caisplus@usc.edu. We will do our best to get back to you shortly.