Intel Digital Readiness Program: Creating a digital-first mindset among the youth  

We live in times when technology governs all spheres of our lives. Be it education or healthcare, trade and commerce or intergovernmental relations, technology drives everything. Keeping this in mind, tech major Intel launched Digital Readiness Program (DRP) in association with various governments, civil societies, and academic and industrial partners in 25 countries (including India). At the heart of this initiative is Intel’s intention ‘to create technology that improves the life of every person on the planet.’. As part of this programme, Intel is committed to joining hands with 30 countries to provide digital access to 30,000 institutions and upskill 30 million people by the end of 2030 for career opportunities of the current and future workspace.  

One of the most important aspects of digitisation is the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which drives innovation and boosts socio-economic growth. To help India become a key player in the changing global landscape, Intel launched different programmes to demystify and democratise AI for both tech-oriented and non-technical audiences, irrespective of their location, gender, and ethnicity. The key initiatives in India are:  

• AI for All: Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, this programme aims to raise public awareness about AI. It is based on Intel AI for Citizens and has been deployed in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This 4-hour-long, self-paced learning programme is available in 11 languages and is compatible with talk-back applications for the visually challenged. It is divided into two segments: AI Aware (1.5 hours) and AI Appreciate (2.5 hours). While the first module helps in wiping out misconceptions surrounding AI and offers a deep understanding of its application potential, the second one allows learners to develop a command over the key domains of AI and its impact on various industries. Participants are awarded personalized digital badges at the end of each module which they can share with others through social media. Click here to register for the programme. 
• AI for Youth: Intel's efforts to help India build an AI-ready generation started with a collaboration with CBSE in 2019. Intel co-curated AI curriculum for CBSE schools based on Intel’s AI for Youth and it is now being used by students in 2000+ schools The larger goal is to   create a deep understanding of AI to equip youth with the skill sets and mindsets required for AI readiness by democratizing access to AI tools and enabling youth to create meaningful social impact solutions with AI. Intel is working together with different ministries and state governments to reach out to students across the country. The intervention with the CBSE and Ministry of Education is helping to mainstream AI as a subject in schools. The programme with NEGD, Ministry of Electronics and IT and the Ministry of Science and Technology has helped to increase the outreach to the government schools pan India. Extensive hands-on sessions for students and capacity-building sessions for educators and teachers are conducted online and face-to-face enabling and empowering them to help build an AI-ready India.  
   

Responsible AI for Youth
Building AI Readiness
CBSE Curriculum for Artificial Intelligence

Other initiatives  
AI Student Community: Launched in March 2021 the community has been designed as a youth-driven community of practice enabling collaborative learning, sharing, and creating real-life social impact AI solutions. It is an open for all communities and helps to provide a platform for youth to know more about emerging technologies and build their capacities through extensive learning resources available. Students can register here to join the community.   

AI Facilitator’s Community: Launched in November 2022, the AI Facilitator’s Community or AIFC is open for educators, coaches, and facilitators from both CBSE & non-CBSE schools. It aims to make best practices easily accessible and boost professional development among educators by helping them upgrade their AI skills. 

Intel is deeply committed to making technology inclusive and expanding digital readiness for all. Intel Digital Readiness Program empowers non-technical audiences with the appropriate skill sets, mindsets, toolsets, and opportunities to use technology impactfully and responsibly in the AI-fuelled world.