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I created Oakademy after realising that the biggest barrier to participation in climate and technology spaces was not access, but self-exclusion. While working with rural and first-generation students, I initially believed that lack of resources was the core issue. However, early sessions showed that students were hesitant not because they lacked ability, but because they did not see themselves as “eligible” to engage with tools like AI or contribute to solving real-world problems.
At the same time, I observed a growing disconnect in how environmental solutions are designed. Climate challenges are highly local, yet the tools shaping solutions -especially AI, are increasingly controlled and used by a limited, urban demographic. This results in solutions that often miss ground realities and fail to fully address community-specific needs.
This intersection of exclusion and environmental inefficiency became the foundation for Oakademy. I wanted to create a model that not only introduces AI, but makes it accessible, relevant, and actionable for those closest to these challenges. By focusing on confidence first and then capability, the goal is to shift youth from passive learners to active contributors who can identify and solve problems within their own communities.
Oakademy was built to bridge this gap, ensuring that participation in climate problem-solving is not limited by background, and that solutions become more inclusive, locally grounded, and effective.
In practice, Oakademy operates as a structured, institution-based program delivered through workshops, modular learning sessions, and guided project implementation. It is embedded within colleges and youth groups engaging rural and first-generation students.
The program begins with short exposure sessions introducing AI through simple, relatable examples to build confidence. Learners then move into structured modules that connect AI with real-world environmental contexts.
In the application stage, students work in groups to identify local challenges and use AI tools to explore them. They are guided through problem framing, basic observation, and developing practical solutions.
Oakademy functions as a continuous pathway with multiple sessions, allowing gradual learning and refinement. Facilitators ensure consistency while adapting to local contexts.
Students shift from passive learners to active participants, engaging with tools and developing relevant solutions. The model is low-cost and scalable, using existing infrastructure and minimal resources to enable consistent, action-oriented learning across locations.
Oakademy has been spreading primarily through institutional partnerships and peer-driven adoption. Initial pilots at Sacred Heart College engaged 200+ students from rural and first-generation backgrounds, validating demand and effectiveness. This led to the transition from one-time sessions to a structured, multi-session model, including a 47-student extension program using the UNICEF Youth Action Guide framework.
The model has expanded through faculty referrals, student networks, and collaborations with youth organizations. As students gain confidence, some begin supporting sessions or recommending Oakademy within their communities, creating a ripple effect. Recognition through platforms like the beVisioneers Fellowship has further increased visibility and opened pathways for partnerships.
Growth remains organic and system-driven, with Oakademy being embedded within existing institutions rather than operating as standalone programs, enabling scalable and consistent expansion across new locations.
If you want to try Oakademy, the first step is to engage with a short exposure session that introduces AI through simple, real-world examples. This helps you understand how AI can be used beyond theory and builds initial confidence.
After this, you can join a structured program delivered through a college, youth group, or community network. These sessions guide you step by step from understanding basic concepts to applying them in real contexts. You will work in small groups to identify challenges in your surroundings and explore how AI tools can help analyze or address them.
You do not need prior technical knowledge. The program is designed to be accessible and builds gradually from basics to application. Participation mainly requires willingness to learn, engage, and experiment with ideas.
If Oakademy is not yet available in your institution, you can initiate it by connecting with the team or introducing it to faculty or local youth organisations. The model is designed to integrate into existing systems, making it easy to adopt and run in different settings.
