AI, Robotics, and Autonomous Vehicles College Prep Program: Foundations in AI and Robotics

AI, Robotics, and Autonomous Vehicles College Prep Program: Foundations in AI and Robotics

Course Details:

• Instructor: Ahmad Chalhoub
• Grades: 9–12
• Open to: Boys and girls
• Program structure: The course will be introduced in phases. This registration will cover Phase 1 and Phase 2
• Start date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
• End date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
• Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m
• Number of sessions: 10 sessions
• Location: Taha Foundation Community Center
• Cost: $270 per student
• Capacity: 15 students

Course Description:

Taha Foundation’s AI, Robotics, and Autonomous Vehicles College Prep Program is a hands-on introductory program designed to help high school students explore the technologies shaping the future. Through progressive instruction and practical projects, students will be introduced to artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, programming, and autonomous-vehicle systems.

During Phases 1 and 2, students will build a strong foundation in how robots and autonomous systems sense their surroundings, process information, make decisions, and take action. They will explore the modern autonomous-vehicle technology stack, including perception, localization, planning, and control, and will connect these concepts to real-world applications in transportation, engineering, and computer science.

Students will build and program beginner robots using block-based coding and Python, wire and use sensors, and complete introductory projects such as obstacle avoidance and line following. They will also be introduced to computer vision and learn how cameras and software can identify objects and support robotic decision-making.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, practical problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and technical confidence. Students will gain insight into the connections between robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, and computer science while learning about related college majors and career pathways.

The program will be offered in progressive phases. This first registration period includes Phase 1 and Phase 2, which focus on foundational concepts and beginner-level applications. Students who complete these phases will be prepared to continue into later phases involving more advanced autonomous-vehicle systems, custom computer-vision models, and end-to-end driving concepts.

Students Can Expect:

- An introduction to artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, and autonomous vehicles
- An overview of the modern autonomous-vehicle stack, including perception, localization, planning, and control
- Hands-on experience building and programming beginner robots
- Practice with block-based coding and Python
- Experience wiring and using sensors for tasks such as obstacle avoidance and line following
- An introduction to computer vision and camera-based object recognition
- Opportunities to apply technical concepts through guided projects
- Practice with engineering-based problem-solving and troubleshooting
- Opportunities to strengthen critical-thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills
- Exposure to AI, robotics, engineering, computer science, and related college and career pathways
- Preparation for future advanced phases of the program

Important Notes and Requirements:

- Students must currently be enrolled in high school.
- Enrollment is limited to 15 students.
- Students should be able to attend all scheduled Saturday sessions.
- Students may need access to a laptop, tablet, or smartphone for programming and course activities; the specific requirements still needs to be confirmed by the instructor.
- No prior coding, robotics, or artificial-intelligence experience is expected, although students with previous experience may be grouped with peers at a similar level.
- Registration for Phases 3 and 4 will be announced separately.

Space is limited. Register early to secure your student's spot in this new Taha Foundation technology and college-prep program.