Secondary school pupils get their first look inside, joined by Sir Keir Starmer
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SIR Keir Starmer launched Google’s new AI Campus in Somers Town yesterday (Wednesday) set up to educate sixth form students from across Camden schools in the field of artificial intelligence.
The prime minister and the vice president of Google, Debbie Weinstein, opened the centre in Charrington Street.
The AI Campus will run a two-year pilot, which began in September, offering spaces for three children from each Camden secondary school, with preference given to those eligible for free school meals, access to cutting edge resources on AI and machine learning and mentoring from Google and DeepMind.
Mr Starmer said: “It is great to be back in this constituency where I lived for many many years until a few months ago. I really do miss being here. For the year 12 students who are here: This is history that you’re making. And this is the fulfillment of a challenge that I put out there, because I think AI has the ability to transform millions of lives across our country, across the world, to do some incredible things.
“My concern was always would the children, the young people in places like Somers Town, ever get to be part of it?
“And the challenge that I set for Google, for Debbie and others, not so long ago. I said they will be looking out of their window, but they won’t be able to imagine that their life is going to be with Google, AI, or many of the other brilliant businesses that are operating out of King’s Cross.
“How do you get them across to see you, to be part of what you’re doing, to give them the confidence and the aspiration – you’ve done one better. You’ve brought yourselves right here, right next to the school [Regent High], right into the heart of the community.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer – the MP for Holborn and St Pancras – at the launch
Ms Weinstein told the New Journal that the two year educational programme is “just part of what we expect to happen in this space”. From mid-2025, students not participating in the programme will also be able to benefit, as the Campus will also host an ‘Opportunity Centre’ which will provide out-of-school learning and support to the broader number of students.
“There will also be a teacher training programme where teachers are also going to be learning how AI can help them in the classroom,” said Ms Weinstein. “I’m hoping that benefit then can help the entire community and improve the lives of everyone here.”
Adeeb Hamidi, a year 12 student who is taking part in the programme, said: “I’m really happy to be a part of this programme because I came to the UK only two years ago so to be here is a really big achievement for me. “What inspires me is how AI has an impact in the real world, how it can solve problems and help people.”
Ms Weinstein said at the opening: “AI can provide radical solutions, from the way we deliver public services to our fight against ill health and the threat of climate change. “You set us the challenge you asked us to ensure that those growing up in the shadows of our building in this shared neighbourhood had equal access to the opportunities that will one day realise their dreams.”
She added: “The seriousness with which we have embraced this challenge is evident today with our launch, and it’s visible in the hive of activity that’s already.”
