Teens in AI has expanded its partnership with Sage to launch the North East AI Talent Acceleration Programme, aimed at young people aged 13-19 across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham.

The initiative gives students access to the AI Adventures learning platform, while participating schools receive AI literacy training and career support for teachers and pupils.

It follows research from Teens in AI showing that while 70% of young people use AI daily, 48% feel their school isn't preparing them for an AI-shaped future — despite 94% saying they could see themselves in an AI-related career.

Helen Devanny, Vice President of Sage Foundation, said the programme aims to widen access to AI education so more young people can progress into opportunities being created in the region.
The launch follows the government naming Sage a leading digital technology business in the North East AI Growth Zone, part of a regional target to get 80,000 students through AI training by 2029.

Sage Foundation is also backing new AI Adventures courses for teenagers, including an AI Agent course launched in April 2026.
Since the partnership began in 2021, it has reached more than 16,000 young people, with 186 Sage volunteers contributing over 1,140 hours as mentors, speakers and judges. Fifty-nine percent of participants have been girls or from under-represented groups, and 79% from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Elena Sinel, Founder and CEO of Teens in AI, said the partnership helps bridge education and industry so young people can build AI skills earlier in life, rather than waiting until higher education or employment.

To find out more about the North East AI Talent Acceleration Programme and the partnership between Sage and Teens in AI, visit: https://www.teensinai.com/sage/