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In a significant effort to prepare students for challenges in the evolving landscape of technology, Howard University has engaged key stakeholders in discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation. This initiative was showcased in an event titled “Shaping the Future: AI, Tech Innovation, and the Next-Generation Workforce”, organized by the Office of External Affairs in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Architecture.
The event featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume and Ro Khanna, alongside Dean Kimberly L. Jones of the College of Engineering and Architecture. The discussion aimed to illuminate national priorities and local initiatives designed to bolster opportunities for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as they navigate the job market.
The facts
Dr. Talitha Washington, the executive director of the Howard University Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics, initiated the session by underscoring the necessity of preparing students for an AI-driven future. She noted the institution’s commitment to integrating AI education across various disciplines. This includes launching new AI courses in the upcoming spring semester, introducing an AI certification program next fall, and collaborating with tech giants and other HBCUs to enhance AI literacy.
Importance of staying ahead
As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, keeping up with these developments is crucial. Dr. Washington emphasized that AI is reshaping every sector, creating a pressing need for educational institutions to adapt swiftly. The university is aligning its research, curriculum, and partnerships through the president’s AI Advisory Council, ensuring that every Howard student acquires adequate AI literacy, regardless of their field of study.
Furthermore, Howard University aims to promote a responsible approach to AI development, engaging in interdisciplinary research that encompasses areas such as secure autonomy, trustworthy AI, and community-focused innovations. This multifaceted strategy is vital as the university prepares to equip its students with the necessary tools for future careers.
Addressing student concerns
During the dialogue, Nicholas Abram, a junior in the College of Engineering and Architecture and a Karsh STEM scholar, raised a critical question regarding the rapid pace of AI evolution and its implications for students entering the workforce. He expressed collective anxiety among students about adapting to these changes and sought assurances on how the leadership plans to mitigate the risk of HBCU students being left behind.
Empowering future generations
In response, Representative Mfume invoked the words of Martin Luther King Jr., reflecting on the transitional phase humanity is currently experiencing. He highlighted the government’s role in facilitating stability and opportunity within this evolving landscape. Both Mfume and Khanna have historically championed digital equity and are now focusing their efforts on creating AI workforce pathways specifically for HBCU students.
Representative Khanna urged tech companies to invest in HBCUs, introducing the TechWise program, which offers nine-month courses and job placements to students across 15 institutions. He reiterated the importance of acquiring the necessary training to effectively harness the potential of AI technologies.
Ethics in AI development
The discussion also addressed the ethical dimensions of AI. Students voiced concerns about the responsible use of AI and its broader impact on job markets. Khanna emphasized that AI development should enhance human capabilities, indicating that this challenge requires input from philosophers, ethicists, and other humanists.
Mfume reinforced the idea that students hold the power to influence the trajectory of AI and its implications for future careers. He encouraged them to recognize the value of their perspectives, asserting that their insights are essential in shaping an equitable AI future.
The event featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume and Ro Khanna, alongside Dean Kimberly L. Jones of the College of Engineering and Architecture. The discussion aimed to illuminate national priorities and local initiatives designed to bolster opportunities for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as they navigate the job market.0