Empowered AI is introducing elementary-aged children to artificial intelligence in a creative way.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Empowered AI, a nonprofit founded by Actual Reality Technologies COO LeSean Shaw, is introducing elementary-aged children to artificial intelligence in a creative and engaging way by helping them write and publish their own books.
For Shaw, artificial intelligence isn’t just a trend. He believes it’s a transformative tool that should be accessible to all communities.
“AI is like the light bulb of our generation, and we do not want our communities walking around with the lights off,” Shaw said. “So it’s really important for us to think about what it looks like for us to embrace artificial intelligence so our communities don’t get left behind.”
Shaw sees education as the gateway to ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies. Through Empowered AI, the organization works with children ages 7 to 12 to teach them the fundamentals of AI with a meaningful purpose: publishing their own books.
“We’re teaching kids between the ages of 7 and 12 how to embrace artificial intelligence, but for a purpose,” Shaw said. “And that purpose is for them to be able to publish their own books. This is creating confidence within these kids.”
The program runs over a two-week period, during which students learn how AI works, explore storytelling techniques and ultimately produce a book they can call their own. Shaw said it’s about more than just the technology — it’s about shifting the educational paradigm.
“I think it’s just a way to really rethink and change the paradigm on how we can embrace education and how we can really take hold of what the ecosystem could look like if we infused artificial intelligence into different agencies, different programs,” he said.
Empowered AI is part of a growing movement to democratize technology and prepare the next generation for a future where AI is integrated into everyday life. Shaw said the goal is to ensure no community gets left behind in the age of innovation.
