LKN AI LAB®

Watch how it works (2min)

Build a real AI portfolio that gives your teen an edge in college admissions.

In-person AI program in Lake Norman. Students build real apps and a college-ready portfolio — no experience needed.

Apply for a seat

⏳ Limited seats • No experience needed
• In-person instruction

What they actually work on

What they actually

work on

Students use a cutting edge tech stack

Beginner friendly intro to real tools used in tech
Learn how developers actually build and ship products
Valuable real-world tech experience

Beginner friendly intro to real tools used in tech
Learn how developers actually build products
Valuable real-world tech experience

Students build real web apps

Real AI projects they can show in college applications
Learn how modern tech stacks work, not theory
Clear proof of initiative beyond normal extracurriculars

Real AI projects they can show in college applications
Learn how modern tech stacks work
Clear proof of initiative beyond normal extracurriculars

Students write and modify real code

// ===============================
    // 4. Call OpenAI
    // ===============================
    // Uses gpt-4o-mini for cost efficiency
    // Temperature 0.7 = balanced creativity vs consistency
    let aiRes;

    try {
      aiRes = await openai.chat.completions.create({
        model: "gpt-4o-mini",
        messages: [
          { role: "system", content: "You generate high-quality content ideas." },
          { role: "user", content: prompt },
        ],
        temperature: 0.7,
      });
    } catch (err) {
      console.error("OPENAI ERROR:", err);
      return new Response(
        JSON.stringify({ error: "AI generation failed" }),
        { status: 500 }
      );
    }

// ===============================
    // 4. Call OpenAI
    // ===============================
    // Uses gpt-4o-mini for cost efficiency
    // Temperature 0.7 = balanced creativity vs consistency
    let aiRes;

    try {
      aiRes = await openai.chat.completions.create({
        model: "gpt-4o-mini",
        messages: [
          { role: "system", content: "You generate high-quality content ideas." },
          { role: "user", content: prompt },
        ],
        temperature: 0.7,
      });
    } catch (err) {
      console.error("OPENAI ERROR:", err);
      return new Response(
        JSON.stringify({ error: "AI generation failed" }),
        { status: 500 }
      );
    }

Edit real code (not drag and drop)
Students can show how their work was built
Applied work beyond surface-level extracurriculars

Edit real code (not drag and. drop)
Students can show how their work was built
Applied work beyond surface-level extracurriculars

Not a classroom

A real startup environment

not a classroom

What Top Colleges Actually Look For

What Top Colleges
Actually Look For

Top programs in the Carolinas look for students who apply what they learn outside the classroom:

Your student isn’t just learning AI — they’re building an AI foundation that turns their interests into college-ready proof.

UNC-Chapel Hill→ How you spend time outside class "shows what's important to you."

Duke University→ Prioritizes "well-rounded and well-lopsided students."

NC State University→ “Think and Do” — students who grasp ideas by applying them.

Wake Forest→ Looking for students who display "depth of involvement" outside school.

Clemson University→ "Spectacular extracurricular activities" boosts student profiles.

App State University→ Emphasizes “experiential learning” beyond the classroom.

UNC Wilmington→ Wants you to “paint a picture” of who you are beyond academics.

• UNC-Chapel Hill→ How you spend time outside class "shows what's important to you."

• Duke University→ Prioritizes "well-rounded and well-lopsided students."

• NC State University→ “Think and Do” — students who grasp ideas by applying them.

• Wake Forest→ Looking for students who display "depth of involvement" outside school.

• Clemson University→ "Spectacular extracurricular activities" boosts student profiles.

• App State University→ Emphasizes “experiential learning” beyond the classroom.

• UNC Wilmington→ Wants you to “paint a picture” of who you are beyond academics.

Apply for a seat

Choose your student's path

⏳ Limited seats • No experience needed

**Level 200 graduates qualify for internships

**Level 200 graduates qualify for internships.

Start Level 100

Enroll Level 200

Apply for Full Program

Schedule

Applied AI Engineering

All sessions are in-person (near Birkdale Village)

Spring

4 evening classes

Once per week for an hour

Summer

2 day camps

Full course in 4hrs over 2 days

Fall

4 evening classes

Once per week for an hour

Internships

For course graduates

Strengthen college applications

Book my student's seat

Founder-led • Limited seats • In person instruction

Most extracurriculars just show involvement
— LKN AI LAB teaches students how to build something real.

🧠 Psychology: Instead of just joining the Psych Club, a student can use AI to analyze survey responses and produce insights a school counselor or organization could use to improve programs.

📊 Business / Economics: Instead of just joining DECA, a student can use AI to analyze local business trends and generate recommendations a small business could use to adjust pricing or promotions.

⚖️ Law / Public Policy: Instead of just debate clubs, a student can use AI to break down legislation and create summaries that a community group could use to understand policy changes.

🧬 Biology / Pre-Med: Instead of just shadowing or volunteering, a student can use AI to explore public health data and highlight trends a clinic or nonprofit could use to guide outreach or education efforts.

🧠 Psychology: Instead of just joining the Psych Club, a student can use AI to analyze survey responses and produce insights a school counselor or organization could use to improve programs.

📊 Business / Economics: Instead of just joining DECA, a student can use AI to analyze local business trends and generate recommendations a small business could use to adjust pricing or promotions.

⚖️ Law / Public Policy: Instead of just debate clubs, a student can use AI to break down legislation and create summaries that a community group could use to understand policy changes.

🧬 Biology / Pre-Med: Instead of just shadowing or volunteering, a student can use AI to explore public health data and highlight trends a clinic or nonprofit could use to guide outreach or education efforts.

Real work doesn’t just show interest—it shows a student can create value for others.

That's what admissions officers look for.

Real work doesn’t just show interest— it shows a student can create value for others.

That's what admissions officers look for.

Founder-led Instruction

Built like a real
startup environment,
adapted for students.

Built like a real
startup environment,
adapted for
students.

All classes led by a Growth Engineer with experience
across multiple Charlotte-based tech companies.

All classes led by a Growth Engineer with experience across multiple Charlotte-based tech companies.

Dane W. Phoenix, Founder

FAQ & Common Concerns

Is this actually valuable for college apps?

Yes — students leave with real work, practical AI skills schools don’t teach, and a stronger way to scale what they’re already interested in.

My kid has never used AI to build anything.

I assume that to be true. The program is specifically designed as introductory to AI.

Is this a coding camp?

No. Students work in a startup-style environment learning how to use AI for business functions. There is natural coding overlap.

What does my student walk away with?

A completed AI project, a course certificate, a portfolio asset for applications, a completed LinkedIn profile (lvl 200) and a letter of recommendation (lvl 200).

My kid is NOT technical.

That’s expected. The program is designed specifically to teach your kid how to leverage AI in these exact gaps.

I dislike large classes.

Me too. 12 maximum. Every kid receives hands-on support and individualized feedback.

My kid doesn't have a lot of time.

Fall / Spring sessions are just once per week for 1 month in the evenings (1hr.)

Who's the instructor?

All classes are led by the founder (me) to ensure quality of output. I've worked at some of Charlotte's fastest growing tech companies and trained dozens of total beginners.

Prior experience required?

Specifically, no. The program is beginner-friendly and designed for students with absolutely zero technical background.

What happens after it ends?

Students can continue into levels 200+. Internships are available for top students to work with future classes and boost their college application with leadership skills.

But what specifically will my kid learn?

Students learn how to use AI to build real web apps they can bring home and show you.

Which Charlotte companies did you work?

I worked at PetScreening (Charlotte's fastest growing tech startup) and Meltwater (my clients included NBA teams, Mayors offices, NASCAR drivers, etc.)

My kid is difficult to motivate.

Don't worry, I have a teen too.

Is this virtual or in person?

In person. Near Birkdale Village in Cornelius/Huntersville.

Is this accredited?

No—please do not confuse this. It’s designed to strengthen their extracurriculars only.

One program that strengthens every college application.

Founder led. Limited seats.

Book my student's seat

all classes taught in-person in Cornelius/Huntersville near Birkdale Village

all classes taught in-person

Cornelius/Huntersville near Birkdale Village

Watch how it works (2min)

Watch how it works (2min)

Build a real AI portfolio that gives your teen an edge in college admissions.

Build a real AI portfolio that gives your teen an edge in college admissions.

In-person AI program in Lake Norman. Students build real apps and a college-ready portfolio — no experience needed.

In-person AI program in Lake Norman. Students build real apps and a college-ready portfolio — no experience needed.

⏳ Limited seats • No experience needed • In-person instruction

⏳ Limited seats • No experience needed • In-person instruction

Students use a cutting edge tech stack

Students use a cutting edge tech stack

Students build real web apps

Students build real web apps

Students write and modify real code

Students write and modify real code

Not a classroom

A real startup environment

A real startup environment

not a classroom

What Top Colleges Actually Look For

What Top Colleges Actually Look For

Top programs in the Carolinas look for students who apply what they learn outside the classroom:

Top programs in the Carolinas look for students who apply what they learn outside the classroom:

Your student isn’t just learning AI — they’re building an AI foundation that turns their interests into college-ready proof.

Your student isn’t just learning AI — they’re building an AI foundation that turns their interests into college-ready proof.

⏳ Limited seats • No experience needed

⏳ Limited seats • No experience needed

**Level 200 graduates qualify for internships

**Level 200 graduates qualify for internships.

Spring

4 evening classes

Once per week for an hour

Summer

2 day camps

2 day camps

Full course in 4hrs over 2 days

Full course in 4hrs over 2 days

Fall

4 evening classes

Once per week for an hour

Internships

For course graduates

Strengthen college applications

Most extracurriculars just show involvement — LKN AI LAB teaches students how to build something real.

Most extracurriculars just show involvement — LKN AI LAB teaches students how to build something real.

Real work doesn’t just show interest—it shows a student can create value for others. That's what admissions officers look for.

Real work doesn’t just show interest— it shows a student can create value for others. That's what admissions officers look for.

Built like a real startup environment,adapted for students.

Built like a real startup environment,adapted for students.

All classes led by a Growth Engineer with experience across multiple Charlotte-based tech companies.

All classes led by a Growth Engineer with experience across multiple Charlotte-based tech companies.

Dane W. Phoenix, Founder

Dane W. Phoenix, Founder

One program that strengthens every college application.

One program that strengthens every college application.

⏳ Limited seats • No experience needed
• In-person instruction

⏳ Limited seats • No experience needed
• In-person instruction

What Top Colleges
Actually Look For

Most extracurriculars just show involvement
— LKN AI LAB teaches students how to build something real.

Most extracurriculars just show involvement
— LKN AI LAB teaches students how to build something real.

Real work doesn’t just show interest—it shows a student can create value for others.

That's what admissions officers look for.

Real work doesn’t just show interest— it shows a student can create value for others.

That's what admissions officers look for.

Built like a real
startup environment,
adapted for students.

Built like a real
startup environment,
adapted for
students.

All classes led by a Growth Engineer with experience
across multiple Charlotte-based tech companies.