How the Mark Cuban Foundation prepares students for an AI-powered future with DataCamp

The challenge: Expanding access to AI and data education

Preparing students for an AI-driven future

The Mark Cuban Foundation works to ensure students are prepared for a future shaped by artificial intelligence, by providing high school students and educators with opportunities to learn in-demand AI skills.

The Foundation’s flagship initiative is its AI Bootcamps, hosted by corporate partners across the country. These programs introduce students to topics such as AI ethics, entrepreneurship, and explore how AI can be used across industries, from healthcare and sports analytics to ecology and creative fields—helping teens prepare for a workforce being reshaped by AI. The Foundation also offers a computer science track for the next generation of technologists.

The solution: Accessible AI learning through DataCamp Classrooms

To help increase access to AI education beyond the AI Bootcamps, by offering students and teachers more opportunities to take additional, more technical topics and build their portfolio, the Mark Cuban Foundation partnered with DataCamp. 

Through the DataCamp Classrooms program, eligible educators worldwide can register for free access to the entire DataCamp platform, allowing them to create virtual classrooms, assign AI and data learning, and track learner progress. 

The Mark Cuban Foundation uses two dedicated DataCamp Classrooms environments: one for teens participating in the AI Bootcamps, and another for educators in its teacher fellowship and professional development programs.

Students build foundational data and AI skills, while teachers deepen their understanding of the technology and explore ways to bring those concepts into their classrooms.

"Students know that AI is the future, and teachers are excited about making sure their students are prepared for a digital future, and safe and thriving as citizens," says Charlotte Dungan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation.

"But many schools still face constraints that make computer science, data, and AI education difficult to implement."

The Foundation was looking for a learning platform that could support students at different starting points while still allowing advanced learners to progress further.

The accessibility of the platform also helps keep students engaged. They can learn on a computer or mobile device, progress at their own pace, and immediately understand where they went wrong if they miss a question.

The Foundation also uses DataCamp to build AI and data literacy within its own team. Employees can explore ways to automate repetitive tasks, analyze data more effectively, and improve day-to-day workflows.

"When we give employees the idea that technology can help reduce cost, reduce frustration, or do something faster, that is very motivating," says Charlotte.

The result: A thriving AI student learner community

Adoption is already growing quickly. The organization initially offered DataCamp access to 230+ alumni from its student programs. In the following program cycles, the number grew to 820+ students, with further growth expected as teachers continue to receive licenses for classroom use.

Over time, the Foundation expects to use both learner progress data and student feedback to better understand how these skills influence students’ academic and career paths.