Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia has recently announced a new partnership with IBM to support AI education, professional development, and resources for the HBCU’s students and faculty.
Through collaboration with IBM’s SkillsBuild program, Clark Atlanta University professors can receive AI training and practical learning opportunities through access to Watsonx (IBM’s portfolio of generative AI products) and Granite (IBM’s family of open-source large language models). Professors who participate in the new training will learn how to incorporate advanced AI learning into their curriculum.
Students at Clark Atlanta University will also benefit from the new partnership with IBM. The tech company will offer several interactive labs that help students dive deep into topics such as code generation and data classification. Participation in these labs will open the door for students to earn digital credentials that will help them secure careers upon graduation. Additionally, students will have access to IBM’s suite of AI products to build semester-long capstone projects with assistance from IBM mentors.
Furthermore, IBM will host various group innovation challenges, such as hackathons, to provide short-term experiences for aspiring developers. Students across all disciplines can also enroll in free, one-hour-long courses through IBM SkillsBuild that will provide them with a foundational understanding of AI technologies.
“As we embark on this transformative partnership with IBM, we recognize the critical importance of closing the digital divide and fostering an inclusive technological landscape,” says Dr. Charlene D. Gilbert, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Clark Atlanta University. “By equipping our students with essential AI competencies, we not only prepare them for future opportunities, but also ensure that the development of artificial intelligence reflects the broad range of perspectives of the communities it serves. It is imperative that the architects of AI systems represent the very populations they impact, thereby promoting economic viability and sustainable growth in the digital age.”
