Peer-led computing camps engage children, study finds

High school student Khushi Kharuna founded and leads coding and artificial intelligence (AI) summer camps for K–12 students in her Philadelphia community. Collaboration with PNC Technologies Career Development Professor Priya Kumar led to a study examining the impact of youth-led STEM learning models centered around children's interests.

Participants consistently reported high engagement and satisfaction when learning from their peers. The study, conducted in summer 2025, included surveys, participant comments, and researcher observations of two camps Khara hosted at community libraries. The camps focused on Python coding and AI basics, with 35 campers participating.

Results showed significant increases in participants' interest in programming and AI after the camps. Campers found hands-on activities, such as creating games, engaging and relatable. Several described Kharuna as a role model who inspired them to pursue leadership opportunities. The findings suggest that youth-led learning could help more children explore computing, as young instructors create a different learning environment than traditional classrooms.

Kharuna, inspired by a STEM conference at age 14, began teaching herself to code and eventually created her own camps. She later sought Kumar's research guidance, leading to their current collaboration exploring youth-led learning's role in developing computing interests and skills.