North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is making waves with its latest venture into artificial intelligence, becoming the first Historically Black College & University (HBCU) to establish a dedicated Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER). This pioneering initiative is supported by a generous $1 million grant from Google.org, signifying a major investment in the future of AI education within the HBCU community.
The new institute aims to position NCCU as a leader in AI research, responsible development, and innovation, emphasizing ethical considerations and expanding access to advancing technologies. With a sleek, 5,000-square-foot facility slated to open in 2025, students will have access to hands-on learning, mentorship, and cutting-edge research opportunities.
The program is designed to mentor around 200 students over its initial two-year period, equipping them with skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. This emphasis on practical experience aims to foster diversity and inclusion in AI, as well as to equip a new generation of innovators.
NCCU’s focus on AI complements its broader efforts to boost STEM programs, evident in its record 13.56% enrollment growth across the UNC system, now hosting over 8,000 students. The university’s recent $125 million expansion into on-campus housing reflects its commitment to supporting a growing student population.
This initiative aligns with other North Carolina universities, like North Carolina A&T, which is set to launch an AI bachelor’s degree, showcasing the state’s broader ambition to be a hub for AI education and research. NCCU’s pioneering step in HBCU AI leadership could inspire similar initiatives across the country, bridging gaps in technology access and fostering diverse talent.
In a world increasingly driven by AI and emerging tech, NCCU’s new institute signals a bold move toward inclusive innovation, empowering students to lead in the future of responsible AI development.
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