Data is Power

Empowering diverse K-12 students and educators
to shape the fast-growing field of AI ethics

 

Data is Power is an AI literacy program that centers ethics and justice, open to grades 6-12 classrooms. Our students learn critical data literacy and produce cutting-edge research on emerging topics in AI ethics.

  • Multidisciplinary AI literacy. We apply both STEM and the humanities to explore complex societal issues in AI, including bias, surveillance, labor rights, consent, data sovereignty, and environmental justice.

  • Standards-aligned instruction. We are aligned to grades 6-12 Common Core Math, ELA, NGSS, and CSTA. No prior knowledge in AI, computer science, or data science is required.

  • Societal Impact. Our students produce cutting-edge AI ethics research - not in the future, but today. Last year, our students and teachers presented at one of the world’s largest international AI ethics conferences.

 

Program Info

Open to: Schools, districts, and classrooms

Duration: 10 to 20 hours of in-class instruction (varies)

Grades: 6 - 12 (recommended)

Location: In-class + Virtual

Cost: Free (limited capacity)

Application Deadline: October 29th, 2025

Data is Power Modules
Module A. Finding Joy in AI Justice
Module A. Finding Joy in AI Justice

Follow the research story of Dr. Joy Buolamwini, who uncovered the gender and racial biases of facial recognition systems as a student.

Module B. AI Art, Consent, and Labor
Module B. AI Art, Consent, and Labor

From ChatGPT to Metro Boomin’s BBL Drizzy, generative AI is reshaping online media. Who should get to decide how AI is built and used?

Module C. How “Intelligent” is AI?
Module C. How “Intelligent” is AI?

Headlines claim that AI will replace the jobs of doctors and professors. But how “intelligent” is AI, really? The answer might surprise you.

Module D. How Does AI Impact Society?
Module D. How Does AI Impact Society?

Students lead justice-centered research projects to explore how AI is impacting our society from creative writing to the environment.

 

FAQs

Can I apply for Data is Power as a student or parent?

We are currently only serving K-12 classrooms and schools. If you are a student or parent, please encourage your teacher to apply! Homeschools are welcome.

How will educators be supported?

We understand that AI is a fast-growing field, and you don’t need a prior background in AI, computer science, and data science to participate in Data is Power. In addition to our lesson guides and resources, we will provide professional learning for educators, office hours, and mentorship matching for your classroom.

What technology is required?

Our program relies on Google Sheets, Google Colab, and interactive open resources from YRMedia and the Algorithmic Justice League. No installation is required; all software we use is free and can be accessed through a web browser. Licenses for premium tools like Glaze are limited.

Do I need to know how to code?

No coding knowledge is required in order to participate - students will learn data science through free no-code tools such as Google Sheets. Coding options are available in Colaboratory for students who know basic Python.

How can I relate this to my classroom?

All of YDSL’s learning materials are aligned to foundational topics in middle school Common Core Math and ELA, NGSS, and CSTA standards. We design our materials to be low-floor, high-ceiling and easily extendable. If you are interested in additional support to align Data is Power to your district’s pathway, please let us know.