North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has recently received a transformative $1 million grant from Google aimed at bolstering diversity within the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. This initiative is expected to enhance the university's role in educating students, particularly from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), amidst the rapid evolution of AI technologies that are increasingly permeating various industries.
The announcement took place in Durham, North Carolina, where NCCU's Assistant Professor and Program Director of Information Science, Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, expressed optimism about the grant's potential impact. "A lot of people know us for our law school. They're going to know us for AI now," she stated. Grady has led an AI equity research lab at the university for five years, exposing students to leading-edge AI projects. She emphasised the objective to reach 200 students over the next two years, indicating that the funding will facilitate research opportunities and mentorship programmes. "I believe our students will be well prepared," she added, highlighting the dual focus on technical skills and the self-confidence necessary to thrive and lead in the AI workforce.
Google's commitment to the project stems from a broader organizational goal to enhance representation in the tech industry. Lilyn Hester, head of Southeast External Affairs and Government Relations at Google, remarked on the insufficient representation of diverse individuals, particularly women, in the tech field. "As we know there aren't enough people that look like us. There aren't enough women, especially in tech," Hester noted. She explained that the choice of NCCU as the recipient of this grant was informed by the university's existing initiatives in AI, which were already laying the groundwork for a dedicated AI Institute at an HBCU. "NCCU fits the bill. They were already involved with AI, but needed a little more support," she concluded.
The expansion of AI technology is reflected in various sectors beyond academia. At Brightleaf Square, local business owners are actively implementing AI solutions. Daniel Waldron, whose wife operates an interior design firm, shared insights into the industry’s adoption of AI, stating, "It was almost nowhere two years ago. Now it's everywhere you see." Waldron demonstrated how AI can assist in design choices, showcasing rendering capabilities that allow clients to visualise products in multiple colours instantaneously.
As businesses continue to explore and integrate AI into their operations, educational institutions like NCCU are poised to play a crucial role in shaping a diverse and skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of an evolving job market. The grant from Google underscores a strategic investment in both the future of AI and the communities that have historically been underrepresented in technology fields.
Source: Noah Wire Services