Students explore everything from drone assembly to AI “vibe coding” through project-based learning
Program encourages young innovators to “Make People Happy with Your Skillset”
LOS ALTOS, Calif. — The AI + Drone Innovation Lab, a special summer program designed to give students hands-on experience with drones, artificial intelligence, coding and 3D printing, successfully concluded in Los Altos, California.
The program was jointly organized by the Silicon Valley Small & Medium Venture Business Association, an affiliate of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara County, and chamber member organization Applied Computing Foundation, led by board member Soyeon Kim.
Held at Los Altos Christian School, the program introduced students to emerging technologies including drone systems, artificial intelligence, Arduino coding, AI-powered “vibe coding,” 3D modeling and 3D printing.
Rather than focusing solely on classroom instruction, the Innovation Lab was designed around project-based learning. Students were encouraged to build, code, test and solve problems, allowing them to experience the process of transforming an idea into a working product or solution.
Organizers said the goal was to help students understand not only how individual technologies work, but also how different technologies can be combined to address real-world challenges.
Throughout the program, students assembled drones and learned the principles of flight, experimented with Arduino programming, explored AI-assisted vibe coding, and designed 3D models that could be turned into physical objects through 3D printing.
By working directly with these technologies, participants gained practical experience in turning their own ideas into tangible results while developing creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Students Encouraged to Think Beyond Technology
A graduation ceremony was held on the final day of the program. Jin Lee, chairman of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara County, and board member Hye Kyung Yoo attended the ceremony, presented certificates of completion and congratulated the participating students.
In their remarks, Lee and Yoo emphasized that as artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies continue to evolve rapidly, young people need to look beyond simply acquiring technical skills. They encouraged students to develop a broader vision for how their knowledge can contribute to their communities and society.
They shared a central message with the students:
“Make People Happy with Your Skillset.”
The message encouraged participants to use their technical abilities not only to pursue personal success, but also to help others and create a positive impact on society.
The program provided students with opportunities to experience multiple emerging technologies while developing the interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration and creative problem-solving skills increasingly important in an AI-driven economy.
The Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara County and the Silicon Valley Small & Medium Venture Business Association said they plan to continue expanding AI and STEM education opportunities for future generations, including programs that connect students with Silicon Valley’s technology and business ecosystem.
Program Overview
Program: AI + Drone Innovation Lab
Organizer: Silicon Valley Small & Medium Venture Business Association
Partner: Applied Computing Foundation
Location: Los Altos Christian School, California
Curriculum: Drone technology, artificial intelligence, Arduino coding, AI vibe coding, 3D modeling and 3D printing
Format: Hands-on, project-based learning focused on innovation and problem-solving
Learn. Build. Innovate.
“Make People Happy with Your Skillset.”
Individuals and organizations interested in sponsoring or making donations to support future student education programs may contact Program Director Sooyeon Cho for more information.
