About

The AI Robotics & Ethics camps at the University of Central Arkansas are one-week programs that provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics with an emphasis on the moral and ethical dimension of this technology. The camp is fully funded by the Arkansas Department of Education's Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented in Summer (AEGIS) program so there is no cost to participants. During the week student teams will learn programming and hardware skills to build and test machine learning algorithms to train and autonomously test-drive a robot car. The week culminates in a competition where the teams showcase what they have learned. Additionally, students will engage with artificial intelligence and robotics topics from a moral and ethical perspective. The commuter camp is for Arkansas students near to UCA while the residential camp is for interested students from farther away who would like to participate.

The AI Robotics & Ethics camps are for Arkansas students who will be in grades 10-12 in the 2025-2026 academic year and who have taken at least one Computer Science course and so are familiar with the topics of:

• Computational thinking and problem solving
• Data, information, and security
• Algorithms and programs
• Computers and communications, and
• Professionalism and impacts of computing.

The field of artificial intelligence and machine learning is growing rapidly with direct applications to robotics (self-driving cars) with implications for society. We believe Arkansas students are able to understand, program, and build an AI powered self-driving car and also consider the philosophical, ethical, and moral issues that come with this technology. These camps give these students the knowledge and confidence to understand these topics and continue to pursue them in the future.

Sincerely,
Dr. William Slaton
AEGIS Camp Director
Professor and Engineering Physics Coordinator
Email: wvslaton@uca.edu

The following selection procedure will be applied:

• The applicant will have taken at least one High School or concurrent credit computer science course. This ensures basic knowledge competency for the camp.
• The applicant will provide the name and email address of a teacher (preferably CS or STEM) who can write a letter of recommendation that addresses the applicant's ability and character.
• The applicant will write an essay explaining their interest in artificial intelligence / machine learning as applied to robotics, along with their thoughts on the ethical use of this technology in society.

Camp Application: link

Deadlines

• March 1, 2025 - Online Application Process Opens
• April 5, 2025 - Student Application, Essay, & Teacher Letter of Recommendation Due
• April 26, 2025 - Selection Results Emailed to Students

For more information or clarification:
Dr. William Slaton
AEGIS Camp Director
wvslaton@uca.edu

Commuter Camp: June 16 - 20, 2025

Monday - Thursday:
8:30 - 9:00AM - Commuter drop-off time
9:00 - 11:30AM - Morning content session
11:30AM - 1:00PM - Lunch in UCA Cafeteria
1:00 - 1:30PM - Team Time
1:30 - 4:30PM - Afternoon content session
4:30 - 5:00PM - Commuter pick-up time

Friday:
8:30 - 9:00 AM - Commuter drop-off time
9:00 - 11:30AM - Morning content session
11:30AM - 1:00PM - Lunch in UCA Cafeteria
1:00 - 1:30PM - Team Time
1:30 - 3:30PM - Robotics Competition
3:30 - 4:30PM - Awards and camp wrap-up
4:30 - 5:00PM - Commuter pick-up time

Residential Camp: June 22 - 27, 2025

Sunday Afternoon: Check in to residence hall.
6:00 - 7:00PM - Dinner in UCA Cafeteria
7:00 - 9:00PM - Evening Enrichment Activities
Monday - Thursday:
8:30 - 9:00AM - Breakfast in UCA Cafeteria
9:00 - 11:30AM - Morning content session
11:30AM - 1:00PM - Lunch in UCA Cafeteria
1:00 - 1:30PM - Team Time
1:30 - 4:30PM - Afternoon content session
4:30 - 5:00PM - Team Time
6:00 - 7:00PM - Dinner in UCA Cafeteria
7:00 - 9:00PM - Evening Enrichment Activities
Friday:
8:30 - 9:00AM - Breakfast in UCA Cafeteria
9:00 - 11:30AM - Morning content session
11:30AM - 1:00PM - Lunch in UCA Cafeteria
1:00 - 1:30PM - Team Time
1:30 - 3:30PM - Robotics Competition
3:30 - 4:30PM - Awards and camp wrap-up
4:30 - 5:00PM - Check out of residence hall.

Dr Jesse Butler Professor of Philosophy	Dr. Will Slaton Camp Director	Dr. Lin Zhang Professor of Engineering

2024