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Builder
Creates something from scratch that solves a real problem.
Founding cohort · Late July 2026 · 10 students only
Most students apply with grades. Yours applies with proof.
In an AI world, grades alone aren’t enough. Colleges and employers are looking for students who can build, communicate, and take initiative.
Buildan AI agent
Pitchto a business
Presentat Demo Day
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Hi! How can I help you today?
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AI
Our intro session is $40. Want me to help you book a time?
✓ Lead Captured
✓ Business Notified
✓ Session Booked
Question
AI AgentAction
Forge is not another certificate.
It’s a hands-on project experience where students build in-demand AI skills and a standout portfolio project that sets them apart in college applications, internships, and interviews.
The real outcome
What your student becomes
The AI agent is the vehicle. The transformation is the point.
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Initiator
Reaches out to businesses and creates their own opportunities.
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Adaptable
Learns quickly, adapts with confidence, and keeps improving.
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Communicator
Communicates ideas with clarity and confidence.
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Future-Ready
Builds practical AI skills that colleges and employers value.
Why it matters
Grades open the door. Proof helps students stand out.
Colleges and employers are increasingly looking for students who can demonstrate initiative, solve real problems, and adapt to an AI-driven world.
At Forge, students don’t just learn about AI. They build a real project, pitch it to a local business owner, and present their work at Demo Day.
Real project · Real communication · Real AI skills
Not Just A Resume Line.
A real AI project that demonstrates technical curiosity, communication, and the ability to create value.
What students build
An AI agent for a real business
Students create an agent that answers questions, captures leads, and helps a business respond faster.
Gym AI Agent
Answers questions about services, pricing, and scheduling while capturing new client interest.
Real Estate AI Agent
Helps visitors ask about listings, neighborhoods, open houses, and next steps.
Tutor AI Agent
Explains programs, collects parent inquiries, and sends the owner follow-up details.
Two-week sprint
Build it. Pitch it. Present it.
1
Build the Agent
Learn how modern AI agents work, build one from scratch, and create a working AI solution for a real business.
2
Pitch the Business
Learn to think like an entrepreneur, pitch your AI solution to real business owners, and create a professional two-minute demo video.
3
Present at Demo Day
Learn how to confidently present your work, demonstrate your AI solution to a live panel, and answer questions in a professional setting.
Approximately 15–20 hours over two weeks.
A combination of live workshops, flexible self-paced project work, optional office hours, and one-on-one support.
View a Sample Cohort Schedule →📅
Late July 2026
Exact dates finalized with the cohort.
💻
Online & Live
Interactive sessions, recordings, and resources.
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10 Students Only
Small cohort for personalized attention.
Meet your instructor
Led by Ariel Zebaida
I graduated from Cornell and began my career in investment banking before transitioning into venture capital, where I invested in high-growth technology startups and evaluated emerging AI companies.
After building my own AI startup, I realized students entering an AI-driven world need more than strong grades. They need proof they can build, communicate, and create value. That’s why I started Forge.
- Cornell University Graduate
- Venture Capital Investor
- Former Investment Banker
- AI Entrepreneur
FAQ
Common questions
Do students need coding experience?
No. Forge is designed for curious students, not experienced programmers. Students use modern AI tools to build real-world projects while learning the underlying concepts. We focus on problem-solving, creativity, communication, and initiative, not memorizing code.
Is everything online?
Yes. Every live session takes place online, and students receive recordings and resources to review at their own pace.
What if my student misses a live session?
Every session is recorded, so students can catch up. That said, live attendance is strongly recommended so students can ask questions, get feedback, and stay on pace with the cohort.
How much time should students expect to spend?
The program totals roughly 15–20 hours over two weeks, combining live workshops, flexible self-paced project work, optional office hours, and one-on-one support. It’s designed to be substantial without taking over the summer.
What will students leave with?
Students leave with a working AI agent they built for a real business, a professional two-minute demo video they can share in college applications and internship interviews, real experience pitching business owners and presenting to a live panel, and practical, in-demand AI skills. It’s proof, not just a certificate.
Most students graduate with grades.
Forge students graduate with proof.
Join the founding cohort and leave with a real AI project, practical AI skills, and proof of what you’re capable of. It’s something you can confidently share with colleges, internships, and future employers.
Apply Now