MISI is a 4-week internship program that prepares graduating seniors for the future of software development. Students work in small teams, guided by experienced software engineers, to build real software projects using AI-assisted development tools.
Program Overview
Software engineering is undergoing a fundamental shift. AI tools now enable developers to move from idea to working code faster than ever before. However, these tools require human judgment, engineering principles, and critical thinking to produce quality results.
MISI addresses this through two foundational curriculum tracks combined with inquiry-based project work. Students learn both the timeless principles of software engineering and the emerging skills of AI-assisted development, then apply both while building real software projects.
SWE Fundamentals Track
Establishes core engineering principles:
- Development environment and tools
- Version control with Git and GitHub
- Code review and pull requests
- Testing and debugging techniques
- Iterative design and professional practices
LLM Fundamentals Track
Teaches effective AI-assisted development:
- How LLMs work (conceptually)
- Capabilities and limitations
- Reading and verifying AI-generated code
- Effective prompting strategies
- AI security, ethics, and responsible use
Curriculum Delivery Model
The two tracks are front-loaded during an intensive 2-day bootcamp in Week 1, establishing shared vocabulary and foundational skills. Throughout Weeks 2-4, additional modules are delivered just-in-time as teams encounter relevant needs during project work. This approach ensures learning is immediately applicable and reinforced through practice.
Educational Philosophy
Inspired by inquiry-based learning models like the Greenwich High School Honors Science Research program, MISI empowers students to:
- Select and scope their own projects
- Collaborate in self-directed teams
- Learn through building, not just lectures
- Receive guidance from industry professionals
The Three Pillars
- Foundational Knowledge: Two curriculum tracks establish shared skills
- AI-Assisted Development: Students use AI tools with judgment and accountability
- Inquiry-Based Projects: Real projects from idea to deployment
Program Structure
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 weeks, 25+ hours/week (aligned with senior project/internship requirements) |
| Team Size | 2-4 students per project team |
| Cohort Size | 10-20 students total |
| Facilitation | Experienced software engineers as mentors |
| Format | In-person meetings with some remote collaboration |
| Prerequisites | No prior coding experience required |
Weekly Progression
| Week | Focus | Curriculum Delivery | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bootcamp & Team Formation | Front-loaded: SWE & LLM fundamentals (Days 1-2) | Core skills established, teams formed, projects selected, first code committed |
| 2 | Build & Iterate | Just-in-time: Modules delivered as needs arise | MVP completed, initial feedback incorporated |
| 3 | Feature Expansion | Just-in-time: Advanced topics woven into work | Core features complete, peer feedback, feature freeze |
| 4 | Polish & Present | Capstone: Ethics discussions from both tracks | Bug fixes, documentation, Demo Day, retrospective |
Student Outcomes
What Students Walk Away With
- A deployed software project they can demonstrate to colleges or employers
- A GitHub portfolio showing real collaborative development work
- Practical skills in AI-assisted development, version control, and testing
- Team experience including code review, standups, and collaborative problem-solving
- Professional network of peers and mentors in software development
For College Applications
MISI provides concrete evidence of:
- Initiative and self-direction
- Technical aptitude and growth mindset
- Collaboration and leadership
- Ability to complete complex projects
For Career Readiness
Students gain exposure to:
- Industry-standard development workflows
- Emerging AI-assisted development practices
- Professional software engineering culture
- Real-world project delivery
Supervision & Safety
Adult Oversight
- All sessions supervised by facilitators
- Facilitators are vetted software professionals
- Clear code of conduct for all participants
- Regular check-ins and progress monitoring
Responsible AI Use
- Students learn ethical AI usage guidelines
- Emphasis on understanding, not just generating
- Critical evaluation of AI-generated output
- Academic integrity principles reinforced
Frequently Asked Questions
We work directly with partner schools to ensure MISI meets senior project and internship requirements. The program provides documented learning outcomes, regular progress assessments, and final presentations that align with typical requirements. Contact your school counselor to confirm eligibility.
Students should expect a substantial time commitment comparable to a part-time job or intensive extracurricular. This includes regular in-person meetings plus independent and team work time. The exact schedule is coordinated with partner schools.
No prior coding experience is required. AI-assisted development tools lower the barrier to entry, allowing motivated students to learn alongside the tools. What matters most is curiosity, willingness to learn, and ability to work collaboratively.
Students participate in a project pitch and selection process during Week 1. They can propose their own project ideas or join teams working on projects that interest them. Facilitators guide the process to ensure balanced teams and appropriately scoped projects.
Students use industry-standard tools including Git for version control, GitHub for collaboration, and AI-assisted development tools like Claude Code. Specific programming languages and frameworks depend on project needs and are selected with facilitator guidance.
Program costs and any financial assistance available vary by cohort and partner school arrangements. Contact us for current information about the cohort your student is interested in.
We welcome partnerships with schools interested in offering MISI to their seniors. Partnership involves coordination on scheduling, requirements alignment, and student recruitment. Contact us to discuss how MISI can work with your school's senior project or internship program.
Get In Touch
Have questions or interested in learning more? We're happy to discuss how MISI can benefit your student or school.