Santa Monica

AI Lessons

Technology connects us to the world, but it can also feel overwhelming, confusing, and impossible to keep up with. As part of Bahala’s Everyday Tech effort, AI Lessons turns that anxiety into action with friendly, local training designed to help Westside residents understand and use artificial intelligence with more confidence.

These lessons are less talk and more practice. Whether you are curious, cautious, creative, or career-focused, Bahala AI Lessons help you cut through the noise and use AI as a practical tool for everyday life.

Westside residents of all ages and skill levels can learn how AI can:

  • Simplify everyday tasks while protecting privacy.

  • Make hobbies like crafting, building, writing, and game design more accessible.

  • Build skills that support school, work, creativity, and financial confidence.

(Row of badges that can be earned between programs)

By understanding how AI works, you Can take advantage of the technology ALready shaping everyday life.

AI Lesson CURRIculum

Beginner

Turn anxiety into action with approachable AI lessons designed to meet you where you are. Learn basic concepts, try practical tools, and build confidence one step at a time.

Learn more about available lessons and register:

AI Lessons at the Library
AI Marketing Plan

Intermediate

Explore how AI can reduce repetitive tasks, support creative projects, and help you learn faster at work, school, and in everyday life.

Learn more about available lessons and register:

AI Talks: Spark Salon
AI for Visual Design

Advanced

Go deeper with hands-on skills like context management, memory coordination, prompt systems, and token tuning.

COMING SOON

your neighborhood all in one place

Neighborhood Calendar

Looking for a reliable way to see what’s happening nearby? Discover local events, workshops, and meetups based on your interests—from family activities to volunteer opportunities—tailored to your neighborhood and schedule.

Join the Neighborhood Calendar Beta

Everyday Tech BLOG

Featured
Countering Truth Decay: How Santa Monica Is Building Bridges in a Fractured Time
Countering Truth Decay: How Santa Monica Is Building Bridges in a Fractured Time

Events like Truth Decay “give psychology and its attendant healing powers back to the community and help translate abstract ideas into grounded conversations,” Karen says.

Beating the Algorithm: A Legacy of Mentorship at KCRW
Beating the Algorithm: A Legacy of Mentorship at KCRW

“We need public media, just like we need our democracy.  It’s a way to exist outside the algorithm.”

When Moses Becomes an Influencer: How AI Video Generation is Rewriting Reality
When Moses Becomes an Influencer: How AI Video Generation is Rewriting Reality

Chat, is reality cooked?

Who’s really in control? Understanding the goals behind “The Algorithm”
Who’s really in control? Understanding the goals behind “The Algorithm”

Every algorithmic system serves multiple masters, each with their own goals and priorities. Let's meet the key players

What People Mean When They Say "The Algorithm"
What People Mean When They Say "The Algorithm"

What do people mean when they say “The Algorithm”?

What is an algorithm even??
What is an algorithm even??

Algorithms are everywhere in our daily lives, but the word has gained a scary connotation that closes us off from learning its benefits.

More Stories

Be a Part of The story

Turn your late-night scroll into productive local networking. Through Bahala’s newsletters, blog, and social channels, we share tech tips, wellness ideas, and community highlights that are bound to help you feel more connected. We also support nonprofits and small businesses through our Incubator, helping set up websites, mailing lists, and data systems that strengthen impact.

We’re here to help answer questions and welcome you to our community. Sign up using the form or email us at info@bahala.org.

Internship: AI Workflow Explorer (Paid)

Paid, short-term gig for a high school tinkerer. Help us see what happens when too many AIs get invited to the same party. You’ll run trials, playbooks, and push the bots till they squeak. What could go wrong? Apply below and make the robots earn their keep.

See Job Description

presenting: Truth Decay

We’re constantly asked to sort truth from noise. Truth Decay is an ongoing community conversation on simple ways to spot online manipulation and rebuild the trust that makes community possible. Breathe easier and leave with tools to feel more confident, calm, and connected, online and off.