Generation AI
Empowering Today's Teens to Build Tomorrow's Technology with Generative AI
CAREERS UNKNOWN
Generative AI is an innovative technology that helps knowledge workers produce sophisticated outputs—ranging from strategic memos and legal briefs to diagnostic reports and custom software tools—all in a fraction of the time it once took.
When harnessed effectively, it acts as a powerful "digital" co-worker. Tasks that once required an entire team can now be achieved by a single, well-equipped professional. As researchers at Procter & Gamble found, individuals working with AI can match the productivity of entire teams.
Generative AI is reshaping the career landscape in ways we can't yet fully predict—and redefining what it means to be skilled, competitive, and creative in the modern workforce.
For parents, the challenge is clear: teach this generation how to work with AI—not as a shortcut—but as a partner in exploration, problem-solving, and building things the world actually needs.
INTRODUCING: GENERATION AI
GENERATION AI is a virtual, hands-on, 5-day program that teaches young adults how to use generative AI tools for creative and productive purposes, with a focus on software development.
Participants will experience every stage of the product development lifecycle—from ideation and user-centric design, to software engineering and shipping a working prototype—using generative AI and industry-standard platforms to bring their ideas to life on the web.
In just one week, participants will launch a live web application, refine it through expert feedback and structured iteration, and practice the art of clear, persuasive presentation.
The program empowers participants to:
- Become self-reliant creators who can build meaningful solutions in the age of AI.
- Develop creative problem-solving skills and ignite a growth mindset.
- Leverage modern technologies to transform ideas into real-world web applications.
WHO SHOULD JOIN
The program is designed for high school and post-secondary students who:
- Are curious about technology and have a drive to solve real-world problems.
- Want to learn how digital products are built—from idea to launch.
- May have little or no coding experience (the curriculum is fully beginner-friendly).
- Have parents seeking future-focused programs with tangible, portfolio-worthy outcomes.
LEARNING OUTCOMES & TOOLS
By the end of the program, participants will:
Launch a Real Web Application
Each participant will design, build, and deploy their own live web app—a unique, portfolio-ready project that showcases creativity and initiative.
Gain Hands-On Experience with Industry Tools
Students will work with the same tools used by top developers, designers and product teams, including:
- •Large Language Models (LLMs): Tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot for ideation, research, writing code and troubleshooting.
- •Miro: Collaborative brainstorming and visual mapping.
- •Slack: Real-time communication and collaboration.
- •UX Pilot: AI-powered web and mobile design & prototyping.
- •VS Code: Widely used code editor for software development.
- •JavaScript: The core language of dynamic, interactive web applications.
- •OpenAI API: Integrate state-of-the-art generative AI models into applications.
- •Git & GitHub: Version control and collaborative coding workflows.
- •Browser Developer Tools: Tools built into web browsers for inspecting and debugging.
Think Like a Technologist
Participants will develop real-world problem-solving skills through project-based learning. They'll use professional-grade frameworks from consulting and tech giants (like McKinsey, Deloitte Digital, and Google) as well as leading startup accelerators (like Y Combinator) to bring structure to their ideas.
Enhance Communication & Presentation Skills
Students will learn to present their work with clarity and confidence—articulating technical ideas, sharing their creative process, and engaging different types of audiences.
CURRICULUM OUTLINE
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Tools & Tech |
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| Day 1 Product & GenAI |
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| Day 2 UX & Design |
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| Day 3 Engineering 1 |
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| Day 4 Engineering 2 |
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| Day 5 Demo Day |
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Post-Program Support
The following week, instructors will help students to enhance and carry on their web-application project via:
- Office Hours: Each student has 4 extra hours of support with instructors and peers for product feedback, technical problem solving, personal reflection and career & skills advice.
- Personal GitHub Account Setup: Students set up personal GitHub account & clone project from the program's repository for personal use going forward.
SCHEDULE DETAILS
May (Part-time)
- Saturday, May 17, 10AM-3PM EST
- Wednesday, May 21, 6PM-9PM EST
- Saturday, May 24, 10AM-3PM EST
- Wednesday, May 28, 6PM-9PM EST
- Saturday, May 31, 10AM-3PM EST
July (Full-time)
- June 30-July 04, 10AM-3PM (TBD)
- July 14-July 18, 10AM-3PM (TBD)
August (Full-time)
- July 28-Aug 01, 10AM-3PM (TBD)
- Aug 11 - Aug 15, 10AM-3PM (TBD)
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Students are required to use their own laptop/desktop (Mac or PC) that can run tools and softwares outlined above. Chromebooks will not be sufficient for the course.
- As the course is run virtually, students will need a front-facing camera and microphone to communicate via an online video conferencing tool.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Matt Thomas
Motivated by the collapse of Nortel Networks, Matt began his career with a desire to protect people from corporate misconduct. He played a frontline role during the 2008–09 financial crisis—first at Morgan Stanley, helping raise rescue capital for banks, and then as a financial stability economist at Canada's Department of Finance.
He later joined McKinsey & Company, advising business and government clients on retirement readiness, long-term investing strategies, and Canada-Asia economic policy. His passion for education led him to launch and exit several startups focused on upskilling workers for the future of work. He also designed executive training for The White House and authored Triple Strength Leadership for Harvard Business Review.
This work brought him back to McKinsey to shape global talent solutions, and later to TWG, a top software agency acquired by Deloitte. As a Deloitte partner, he launched one of the firm's first generative AI tools—writing the original lines of code himself—and scaled it across Canada. Matt continues to code and build today, leveraging all of the tools taught in the Generation AI program.
Now based in Ottawa with his wife and two young sons, Matt remains deeply committed to understanding where the world is headed—and helping people of all generations gain the tools, mindsets, and confidence to thrive in an AI-everywhere future.
Jay Shin
Jay started his career at Deloitte in 2018 as a product manager in AI consulting, where he helped global sports organizations like Formula 1 and MLSE use AI to analyze fan emotions during live events. Seeking more hands-on product experience, he went on to launch consumer-facing platforms, including PC Optimum and Loblaws' Vaccine Scheduler, and supported the digitization of immigration services during COVID at IRCC.
Today, Jay leads product in Deloitte's Office of Generative AI, where he's helping reinvent how professional services are delivered using cutting-edge AI. He co-founded the same GenAI solution with Matt and has coached dozens of Deloitte professionals—many with no prior coding experience—to launch real, working apps using modern tools and AI assistants.
Jay is also passionate about investing in the next generation. He serves as a dedicated mentor and youth leader at his church, where he leads games and Bible study every Friday. Jay also guides high school students to design and launch startups from scratch with Junior Achievement.