Pinewood students interested in artificial intelligence will have a new way to explore the topic of AI for Social Impact in Fall 2026. Taught by Business and French teacher Stephanie Gervais, the elective will emphasize how AI can be used to create real change in the community.

   The class is being introduced in response to growing interest from both students and faculty in better understanding how AI functions and can be used responsibly. Gervais said polls conducted at Upper Campus displayed clear demand for deeper AI education.        

   “AI is a big topic, and the Pinewood community is eager to learn about it and use it,” Gervais said.          

   Gervais said she has been experimenting with AI in her classes, which inspired her to teach this upcoming elective.

   Gervais aims to train students to spot ethical dilemmas they may face while using AI. As a world language instructor, she said she has witnessed the increased proliferation of trends such as bias and stereotyping firsthand in AI.

   “When you ask it to show a French family, I don’t really recognize myself,” Gervais said.

   Gervais hopes the elective will appeal to students who may feel intimidated by traditional computer science and coding classes. She said the curriculum would be less coding-based and more problem-solving-oriented.

   “This class is not so much about computer science,”

Gervais said. “It’s about using AI to make an impact.”

   The curriculum is split into two parts.

In the first part, students will complete lessons on AI, understand how it is currently used, and observe how some companies are already applying artificial intelligence for social good. As the course progresses, students will get the chance   to design and launch their own AI-based solutions to problems they are passionate about.

   English Teacher and Business and Communications Department Head Kim Wetzel said that the course will both teach responsible AI usage and encourage students to reflect on the larger impact of what they create.

   “Not only will students gain best practices, but they will also think about how to use the technology in ways that will transform society for the better,” Wetzel said.

   Gervais said that she wants the class to bring students of all interests and backgrounds together.   

   “I would love to have students that are singers, athletes, painters, and also students who just love to code to come together and create beautiful things,” Gervais said.