how we got started Where we are today

The Lakota AI Code Camp began in 2022 when the team you see below collaborated to plan and implement a vision for inspiring Native students to pursue pathways into higher education and careers in advanced technology fields.

With support from our partner, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, we were successful in graduating every student that attended the inaugural camp and inspiring them to continue their learning and pursuit of computer science opportunities.

After camp concluded the team recognized the success of the Lakota AI Code Camp and set off on an adventure to sustain the momentum they created and founded their 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, IndigiGenius.

In 2023, students from our 2022 cohort returned to the camp in 2023 with the goal of building on their previous experience and to help inspire new students coming to the camp. We were able to hire interns to learn the curriculum and assist with instructing. Our growth in one year speaks volumes!

What’s to come…

Lakota AI Code Camp 2024 will return to Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD.

Applications open November 2023 - Stay tuned!

Meet the Team

  • Michael Running Wolf

    Director of Technology

  • Mason Grimshaw

    Lead Data Science Instructor

  • Dr. Shawn Tsosie

    Lead Machine Learning Instructor

  • Dr. Ian Her Many Horses

    Lead Curriculum Developer

  • Andrea Delgado-Olson

    Director

  • Caroline running wolf

    Director of Finance