"Be a Manager 2026" Summer School: High School Students Explore the World of Artificial Intelligence
From June 1 to 3, 2026, the Faculty of Management and Informatics at UNIZA hosted another edition of the “Be a Manager” Summer School, organized by the Department of Management Theories. The three-day event welcomed nearly 50 high school students, who had the opportunity to gain insight into the world of management, technology, and artificial intelligence. This year’s theme was “The World of AI: Are You Using It, or Is It Using You?” and focused on the practical applications of artificial intelligence, its benefits, risks, and the ethical aspects of its use.
Participants came from high schools in Žilina, Kysucké Nové Mesto, Púchov, and Vranov nad Topľou. Among them were students from grammar schools, business academies, and industrial high schools. Over the course of three days, they participated in four interactive workshops, during which they tackled both team and individual tasks, worked with various AI tools, and discussed their applications in academia, business, and management practice.
The program was based on active participant engagement. The high school students developed communication and analytical skills, tackled team challenges, and simultaneously reflected on the possibilities, limitations, and ethical issues surrounding the use of artificial intelligence. Hands-on activities showed them how AI can help solve everyday problems, but also what challenges its growing use brings.
The event was partnered by EY Slovakia, which has long supported the development of young talent and the integration of education with practical needs. Company representatives actively participated in the program and gave students insight into the use of modern technologies within an international consulting firm. Participants thus gained valuable insights into current trends in the job market and the skills that will play a significant role in the future.
The summer school also offered participants the opportunity to experience the university environment firsthand. During the event, they toured the faculty facilities, met with faculty members and students from FRI UNIZA, and gained a closer look at the possibilities of university study.
The program also included a final presentation of team solutions before a panel of experts. The evaluation focused on the quality of task execution, creativity, argumentation, teamwork, and the effective use of AI tools. Participants demonstrated a high degree of initiative, technical skills, and critical thinking.
The most successful participants were rewarded with attractive prizes for their performance. Prizes included power banks, Bluetooth speakers, USB flash drives, and gift cards to Alza.sk.
The “Be a Manager 2026” summer school once again confirmed the growing interest among young people in management, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. It provided participants with new knowledge, practical experience, and the opportunity to explore the university environment and make new connections. Through such activities, the UNIZA Faculty of Management and Informatics continues to link education with current trends and supports the development of the next generation of managers and information technology professionals.
