Deadline: 04-Sep-26
The Team4Tech Experience AI Cohort 2026 is a three-month learning opportunity for NGOs operating in Africa to build capacity in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning education. Up to 10 participating NGOs will receive training, coaching, peer-learning opportunities, and a participation stipend to support the implementation of Experience AI within their organizations and learner communities.
What Is the Team4Tech Experience AI Cohort?
The Experience AI cohort is an educational capacity-building initiative supported by Team4Tech and based on Experience AI, an education programme co-developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind.
The initiative is designed to help educators and organizations introduce young people aged 11–14 to foundational concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
For participating African NGOs, the cohort provides structured learning and implementation support so staff can better understand AI and eventually apply the curriculum in their own educational or community programmes.
When Will the Cohort Take Place?
The 2026 cohort will run from:
- September to December 2026
- Duration: Three months
- Number of participating NGOs: Up to 10
- Location: Africa-based NGOs participating through virtual learning
The programme combines online learning, live sessions, coaching, assignments, and peer interaction.
What Will Participants Learn?
Experience AI introduces participants to fundamental AI and machine learning concepts in an accessible, education-focused format.
Key learning areas include:
- How computers learn from data.
- Basic concepts of artificial intelligence.
- Fundamentals of machine learning.
- The role of data in AI systems.
- How data bias can affect AI outcomes.
- Identifying and understanding misinformation.
- Real-world applications of AI.
- Potential career pathways in artificial intelligence and related fields.
- Approaches for introducing AI concepts to young learners.
The programme emphasizes both AI literacy and practical educational application.
Why AI Education Matters in Africa
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing education, employment, business, communication, healthcare, and other areas of society.
Building AI literacy among young people can help them understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies.
For NGOs working with learners and communities, Experience AI can provide a structured way to introduce concepts such as:
- Responsible AI use.
- Data literacy.
- Digital citizenship.
- Critical thinking.
- Algorithmic bias.
- Technology careers.
- AI applications in everyday life.
The programme therefore combines technical understanding with broader digital and critical-thinking skills.
Who Is Eligible?
The opportunity is designed for NGOs operating in Africa.
Participating organizations are expected to nominate 2–4 staff members who can actively participate throughout the three-month cohort.
Nominated staff should be able to dedicate approximately:
- 15–20 hours over three months
- Time for self-paced learning.
- Time to complete assignments.
- Attendance at live virtual sessions.
- Participation in surveys.
- Engagement with peer learning and feedback.
- Follow-up implementation activities.
Organizations should select staff members who are positioned to apply the learning within their organization or learner communities.
What Does the Cohort Include?
Selected NGOs will receive access to several forms of learning and support.
Live Virtual Sessions
Participants will attend six live virtual sessions focused on learning, discussion, peer exchange, and feedback.
These sessions provide opportunities to:
- Ask questions.
- Share experiences.
- Discuss implementation challenges.
- Learn from other participating organizations.
- Receive feedback on assignments and approaches.
Self-Paced Learning
Participants will complete asynchronous learning materials according to the cohort schedule.
This allows staff to develop their understanding of Experience AI concepts between live sessions.
Coaching and Peer Learning
The programme includes coaching and opportunities to learn alongside staff from other African NGOs.
This collaborative structure is intended to help participants move from understanding AI concepts toward practical implementation.
What Are Participating NGOs Expected to Do?
Selected organizations have responsibilities throughout the cohort.
They must:
- Nominate 2–4 staff members.
- Ensure nominated staff can commit approximately 15–20 hours over three months.
- Complete the required self-paced learning.
- Attend the six live virtual sessions.
- Complete assigned activities and coursework.
- Participate in pre- and post-cohort surveys.
- Work toward implementing Experience AI within their organization or learner communities.
- Complete a follow-up survey approximately 4–6 months after the programme.
The follow-up process is intended to understand how participants are applying what they learned after completing the cohort.
Participation Stipend
Participating NGOs will receive a participation stipend to support implementation of Experience AI within their organizations and learner communities.
The stipend is contingent on successful completion of the required course activities.
Organizations should therefore treat the stipend as implementation support linked to successful participation rather than as unrestricted funding.
How the Experience AI Cohort Works
The programme follows a learning-and-implementation model.
Step 1: Apply as an NGO
Eligible NGOs operating in Africa submit their application for consideration.
Step 2: Nominate Staff
Each selected organization nominates 2–4 staff members who can commit the required time.
Step 3: Complete the Learning Programme
Participants work through the Experience AI curriculum using self-paced materials and live virtual sessions.
Step 4: Participate in Peer Learning
Staff engage with other participating NGOs to exchange experiences, receive feedback, and discuss practical implementation.
Step 5: Apply the Learning
Participating organizations work toward introducing Experience AI concepts and resources within their own programmes and learner communities.
Step 6: Complete Evaluation Activities
Participants complete pre- and post-cohort surveys and a follow-up survey 4–6 months later to help assess implementation and longer-term outcomes.
Benefits for Participating NGOs
Participation can help NGOs:
- Build internal AI literacy.
- Strengthen staff knowledge of machine learning.
- Develop AI education capacity.
- Introduce AI concepts to young learners.
- Access research-based educational resources.
- Learn from other African organizations.
- Receive coaching and peer feedback.
- Explore responsible approaches to AI education.
- Receive a stipend to support implementation.
Tips for a Strong Application
NGOs should consider selecting staff who have a realistic opportunity to use the training after the cohort.
A strong organizational approach should demonstrate:
- A clear interest in AI education.
- Experience working with young people or learners where relevant.
- Staff availability throughout the three-month programme.
- A practical plan for applying the Experience AI resources.
- Organizational commitment to completing the required learning activities.
- Potential to reach learners or communities after the cohort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Nominating staff who cannot commit the required time.
- Failing to provide 2–4 suitable staff participants.
- Treating the programme solely as a theoretical training opportunity.
- Failing to consider how Experience AI could be implemented after training.
- Missing live sessions or required assignments.
- Ignoring the post-cohort follow-up requirements.
- Assuming the participation stipend is unrestricted funding.
Key Details at a Glance
- Programme: Team4Tech Experience AI Cohort
- Year: 2026
- Duration: Three months
- Cohort period: September–December 2026
- Eligible organizations: NGOs operating in Africa
- Maximum cohort size: 10 NGOs
- Staff per NGO: 2–4
- Time commitment: Approximately 15–20 hours over three months
- Live sessions: Six
- Learning format: Virtual sessions, self-paced modules, coaching, assignments, and peer learning
- Core topics: AI, machine learning, data, bias, misinformation, applications, and career pathways
- Target learners of Experience AI: Young people aged 11–14
- Stipend: Participation stipend for implementation, subject to successful completion
- Follow-up: Survey approximately 4–6 months after the cohort
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Experience AI?
Experience AI is an educational initiative co-developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind that introduces young people to artificial intelligence and machine learning through research-based resources and practical learning.
Who can participate in the Team4Tech cohort?
The cohort is open to NGOs operating in Africa. Selected organizations must nominate 2–4 staff members to participate.
How long does the programme last?
The 2026 cohort runs for approximately three months, from September to December 2026.
How much time must staff commit?
Each participating NGO should nominate staff who can collectively participate in the required activities, with an expected commitment of approximately 15–20 hours per person over three months.
How many live sessions are included?
Participants will attend six live virtual sessions, alongside self-paced learning, assignments, coaching, and peer-learning activities.
Will participating NGOs receive funding?
Yes. Participating NGOs will receive a participation stipend to support implementation of Experience AI within their organizations and learner communities, subject to successful completion of the course requirements.
What happens after the three-month cohort?
Participants are expected to apply their learning within their organizations and learner communities. A follow-up survey conducted approximately 4–6 months after the programme will help assess how the lessons and resources have been implemented.
Conclusion
The Team4Tech Experience AI Cohort 2026 provides African NGOs with an opportunity to strengthen their capacity in AI and machine learning education through structured training, live virtual sessions, coaching, peer learning, and practical assignments. With up to 10 NGOs selected and a participation stipend available for implementation, the programme can help organizations introduce responsible AI literacy and foundational machine learning concepts to young learners and wider communities.
For more information, visit Team4Tech.