SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Code School is taking place this summer with a goal of  helping make artificial intelligence more accessible to community members of all experience levels.

The SBCS announced that it will host three free workshops in partnership with the St. Joseph County Public Library, focused on helping adults understand and use generative AI tools like ChatGPT in their careers and daily lives and organizers say no tech background required.

“People hear a lot about AI but often don’t know where to start, or feel like it’s not for them,” said Alexandra Sejdinaj, co-founder at SBCS.

“These workshops are designed to change that. We want to make AI tools feel approachable, useful, and even fun.”

Organizers say the workshops are open to adults of all experience levels and aim to break down common barriers to learning about AI, such as confusing terminology or the assumption that AI is only for “tech people.”

"Each session is interactive, welcoming, and held in person at the Main Library’s Community Learning Center," Sejdinaj said.

All workshops will be held at the Main Library’s Community Learning Center (305 South Michigan St.) in downtown South Bend.

Workshop Schedule:

• Saturday, June 14: Generative AI & Your Career
  -- Explore how AI is transforming the workplace and how you can use tools like ChatGPT to your advantage.
  -- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Classroom C
• Saturday, July 12: Learn to Code with Generative AI
  -- Use ChatGPT to build your first real project in Python—no experience needed.
  -- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Classroom D
• Saturday, August 23: How Can AI Help Me With My Life?
  -- Discover how AI can support everyday life—from planning meals and budgeting to parenting and major life decisions.
  -- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Classroom D

All workshops are free, but space is limited. Pre-registration is encouraged.

"While AI tools are becoming more common, many people are unsure how to use them—or whether they even should. South Bend Code School aims to bridge that gap by offering hands-on, judgment-free instruction that shows how AI can be a helpful tool," organizers said.

"Whether you’re curious, cautious, or completely new to the topic, these workshops offer a welcoming place to learn."

The workshops are made possible in part by the Amazon St. Joseph County Community Fund.