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Creating Change Through Inclusive AI Education

Beth Cusack’s Work with Gen-AI Bootcamps

Gen-AI educator and mechatronics engineer Beth Cusack has received the Garlett Group Create Change Award at the 2026 Young Achiever Awards WA, recognising her work helping autistic young people build confidence, skills and a sense of belonging through generative AI education. Beth was nominated for her contribution to the Gen-AI Bootcamps, an inclusive education program that introduces autistic secondary-school students to generative AI, coding and emerging technologies through practical, project-based activities. Delivered in partnership with the WA Data Science Innovation Hub, Curtin University’s Autism Research Group and the Australian Government Department of Social Services, the program creates a structured environment in which students can explore technology, develop industry-relevant capabilities and work alongside mentors.

Shortly after receiving the award, Beth and the wider Bootcamp team travelled to Geraldton Senior High School for a four-day regional program held from 6–9 July. Students experimented with generative AI, block coding, virtual reality and robotics. Two Reachy robots—one of which students named “Steve”—became characters, mentors and sounding boards as participants developed their projects. Students programmed the robots, used virtual-reality controls to translate their own movements into robotic actions, and explored how AI could support storytelling and creative development. They also experimented with having the two robots communicate with one another. The program concluded with students presenting their hackathon projects to mentors, school staff and family members. Parents were invited to attend the presentations and awards, providing an opportunity to see what participants had designed during the week. One parent reported that their son returned home saying: “The bootcamp is somewhere I really feel like I belong.” For Beth, the comment reflects an important part of the program’s purpose. The Bootcamps are not only intended to develop technical knowledge; they are designed to provide an environment in which autistic students can participate on their own terms, pursue their interests and recognise the value of their ideas.

Beth is now extending this work through AI Lift Off, a school outreach program bringing practical AI education to students across Perth and regional Western Australia. The initiative introduces school communities to different applications of artificial intelligence while giving students accessible pathways into technology, creativity and future careers. It builds on the Bootcamp model by taking inclusive AI learning directly into schools and reaching a broader range of young people. We'd also like to take this opportunity to credit the wider team supporting the programs, including Tele Tan AM, Alex Jenkins and Elaine Goh, as well as the mentors, educators, researchers and partner organisations involved in their delivery.