Future Innovators Unite: IEEE Computer Society Juniors Program Empowers Students with AI Knowledge

In a boon for student engagement in computer science and engineering disciplines, 70 pre-college students gathered for the IEEE Computer Society (CS) Juniors Program in Sayama, Japan. Over two days, these junior, middle, and high school students experienced the excitement of programming and artificial intelligence (AI) through creative, hands-on activities like game development and virtual reality. Participants learned programming skills using SEGA Corporation's puzzle game, “Puyo Puyo.” They also learned to leverage AI within Minecraft, a sandbox-style digital game, equipping them with knowledge on applying artificial intelligence to advance their communities.

However, before participants engaged in hands-on exploration and practical application, they listened to inspiring keynote speeches that emphasized the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping the future.

Keynote Speeches Ignite Inspiration

Hironori Washizaki, IEEE CS 2025 President, opened the event. His address explored the historical evolution of the IEEE and its relationship with society. He also analyzed the groundbreaking advancements in AI, inspiring and motivating students to utilize it to transform their worlds. Washizaki urged reflection on the symbiotic relationship between technology and humanity, sparking students’ curiosity about the possibilities that lie ahead.

“Professor Washizaki’s lecture opened my eyes to the connection between humans and artificial intelligence,” one student reflected. “I gained valuable insights into artificial intelligence and its potential.”

On day two, Tetsuya Yoshida, President of Ai Denki Co., Ltd., representing the innovative spirit of local companies in Sayama City, discussed the interplay between society, the internet, and AI. He presented a compelling argument about how these elements converge to shape our world, helping students understand the transformative potential of this evolving relationship.

“My interest in programming was a major reason I participated in the event,” said another student. “But Mr. Yoshida did more than that; he broadened my understanding of AI, the internet, and its potential.”

“We were very pleased to hear such positive feedback from attendees,” said Daisuke Saito, project lead for the event. “The keynote addresses achieved their intended purpose; they boosted motivation and sparked curiosity and creativity for the hands-on portion of the event.”

More than “Fun and Games”

Participants began their programming journey by exploring the mechanics of SEGA Corporation's iconic puzzle game, “Puyo Puyo.” Through engaging, hands-on activities, they immersed themselves in essential programming concepts such as arrays and iterations, skillfully recreating the game using the versatile Scratch platform. This interactive approach deepened their technical knowledge and sparked their creative thinking.

Building on this foundation, participants expanded their understanding of AI through Minecraft, a digital sandbox game that fosters creativity and problem-solving. By engaging with this platform, students tapped into their ingenuity to develop innovative solutions, gaining valuable insights into AI applications.

Survey feedback revealed that these activities were highly “effective” in enhancing participants’ comprehension, providing them with an increased capacity for learning and inspiration for future endeavors.

Empowering Future AI Innovators

Participants rated their experiences on a five-point scale, where one represents the lowest score and five the highest. After each course, over 90% of participants rated their experience as four or higher. Overall, the average score was an impressive 4.63, with no participants giving a rating of one or two. These results indicate that the December 2024 event was overwhelmingly successful.

“The survey feedback we received from participants showed a strong ‘desire’ to apply what they learned to undertake ‘meaningful projects’ going forward,” said Saito. “The survey also revealed that participants intend to utilize what they learned and showed a heightened motivation for engaging in computer science programming.”

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s programmers and AI innovators, using their insights and knowledge to advance their communities,” he added. “Every event we hold builds on the previous programs. If this event is any indication, we are empowering the next generation of innovators to harness their knowledge and passion for a better tomorrow.”