The first cohort of Camden students have graduated from a pioneering two-year artificial intelligence (AI) programme at the London AI Campus. This comes as Camden’s ‘Summer of STEAM’ helps hundreds of children and young people explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Organised by Camden Learning, the ‘Summer of STEAM’ has brought together young people, employers, industry experts and creative professionals through an extensive series of events and experiences in the Summer term. These events and experiences aimed to help young people build skills, networks and confidence while supporting local businesses to tap into local talent and create clearer routes into employment, ensuring local people can benefit from opportunities in their borough.
The ‘Summer of STEAM’ culminated with the graduation of the first cohort of students from AI Connect, the flagship enrichment programme of the London AI Campus. Students celebrated alongside mentors, industry partners and school leaders after completing the pioneering programme, which equips young people with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families, said:
“Congratulations to the first cohort of AI Connect students on their graduation from this groundbreaking programme. Their achievement reflects not only their hard work and ambition, but also the huge potential of Camden’s young people when they are given access to opportunities, expertise and support.
“At a time when too many young people face barriers to employment, Camden STEAM is working to help build the confidence, skills and networks needed for future careers. Whether that is through hands-on experience with leading companies, providing a rewarding learning experience with the AI Campus, or showcasing artwork in major public exhibitions.
“By strengthening links between our family of schools, colleges and businesses, we’re not only creating opportunities that benefit our borough’s young people, but also the local economy.”
Delivered through a partnership between Google, Camden Learning and Camden Council, the London AI Campus on Charrington Street is uniquely positioned to provide world-class education that is rooted in community – removing barriers to underrepresented groups and increasing AI literacy across the student body.
Students learn directly from professionals at world-leading organisations such as GSK, Google and UCL. They attend weekly sessions exploring real-life projects which connect AI to diverse fields like health, social sciences and the arts, as well as accessing valuable insights from Masterclasses led by industry experts, workshops, office visits and industry events.
Stephanie Dean, Director of Charitable Investments Programmes, at GSK, said:
“Programmes like AI Connect are vital for growing the UK’s STEM talent pipeline and closing the AI skills gap, by giving young people real-world experience of how responsible AI can be harnessed in a range of different industries. We’re incredibly proud of the creativity and commitment shown by the students and congratulate them on their achievements as future innovators.”
Amyrah, a Camden School for Girls student and 2025 AI Connect graduate, speaking at the graduation event at Vision Hall, said:
“Before the course, I didn’t really understand what AI was for, or how to use it. Now I feel better informed and know how it works, which is something that is becoming increasingly important today. I have been inspired by what we have learned and things we have done, such as the No Black Boxes robotics course, which encouraged me to apply for Robotics at Sheffield University next year.
“The AI Connect course has also been a huge part in my growing self-confidence. The opportunities presented to me, such as delivering presentations, as well as being able to talk to panels at a range of events, have meant I am more sure of myself now, as I can better articulate my thoughts.”
The graduation marked the final event of Camden’s ‘Summer of STEAM’ programme of events, which has provided children and young people across the borough with opportunities to explore future pathways in education and employment.
More than 300 pupils took part in the Camden Primary Careers Day at the British Library meeting over 20 local employers and learning about a diverse range of career across the STEAM sectors. This included LifeArc, Digital Catapult and Springer Nature. The events encouraged children to think creatively about their futures, be curious and helped make the local world of work more accessible and relatable from an early age.
Meanwhile, over 340 secondary students gained hands-on experience with leading businesses during the annual STEAM Work Experience Week, with prestigious employers opening their doors to engage students in real-life business challenges including London Zoo, Astra Zeneca and the British Museum.
Students from the five Camden schools delivering T Levels came together with employers at Camden’s first dedicated T Level student celebration event. The popularity of T Levels among young people in Camden has increased significantly in just a year, with the number of young people signing up to these qualifications increasing from 22 last year to 66 this year.
The summer also saw the return of the Camden Schools Art Biennale, with artwork from every Camden school exhibited at the Lethaby Gallery, Central Saint Martins and across the King’s Cross Estate. Supported by professional artists, children and young people showcased work spanning sculpture, collage, illustration, painting, drawing and film.
Stephen Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Camden Learning, said:
“The graduation of our first AI Connect cohort is a significant milestone, not only for the London AI Campus, but for Camden’s wider ambition to ensure every young person can access the opportunities and skills they need for the future. AI Connect is just one example of what can be achieved when schools, employers, universities and community partners work together around a shared vision for young people. Through Camden’s Summer of STEAM, hundreds of children and young people have been able to explore new possibilities, meet inspiring professionals and gain first-hand experience of the world of work.”
These opportunities form part of Camden’s wider commitment to ensuring every young person can access high-quality education and career development opportunities, regardless of their background. Working closely with the Camden family of schools and local organisations also enables stronger collaboration, shared expertise and a coordinated approach to preparing young people for future careers, ensuring opportunities are accessible, relevant and impactful across the borough.
