IBM collaborates with an Historically Black College and University in Atlanta to enhance the technical skills of its students in the IT field.
In a significant move to address the growing skills gap in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), Clark Atlanta University (CAU) has partnered with IBM to equip its students with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.
The collaboration, facilitated by IBM's SkillsBuild program, provides CAU students with access to IBM's watsonx generative AI platform and open-source Granite language models. This partnership aims to prepare a diverse student body to contribute to AI development that reflects the perspectives of underserved communities, promoting inclusive, sustainable economic growth and innovation.
According to a recent study by IBM and Morning Consult, 76% of developers don't consider themselves experts in generative AI. Recognising the importance of closing the digital divide and fostering an inclusive technological landscape, Dr. Charlene D. Gilbert, Provost and Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs at CAU, emphasises the need for AI systems to be architected by individuals who represent the populations they impact.
The partnership also includes AI training for faculty to enhance education and create new AI-focused courses, further embedding AI competencies into the university’s curriculum and fostering a technological landscape of excellence and inclusion.
Students will participate in interactive labs, group innovation challenges, and generative AI capstone projects. In addition, they will have opportunities to earn digital credentials and access free generative AI courses.
IBM VP and Chief Impact Officer, Justina Nixon-Saintil, emphasises the importance of skilled talent in the AI field. A study by McKinsey suggests that generative AI might make the economic racial gap $43 billion bigger each year. By equipping a more diverse group of students with AI skills, this partnership aims to help close this gap and ensure that the development of artificial intelligence reflects a broad range of perspectives.
The future of AI will be shaped by students, educators, and professionals who can use, manage, and build generative AI. This partnership between CAU and IBM is a step towards ensuring that future AI development is inclusive, sustainable, and reflects the needs of a diverse society.
[1] IBM and Morning Consult Study on Developers and Generative AI [2] McKinsey Study on Generative AI and Economic Racial Gap [3] Clark Atlanta University Press Release on Partnership with IBM [4] IBM SkillsBuild Program Overview [5] Dr. Charlene D. Gilbert's Speech on Inclusive Technological Landscape
- The collaboration between IBM and Clark Atlanta University (CAU) seeks to foster innovation in the business world, particularly in the realm of AI, by equipping students with hands-on experience using IBM's Watsonx generative AI platform and the Granite language models.
- The global financial implications of AI development are significant, as suggested by a McKinsey study indicating that generative AI might exacerbate the economic racial gap. Recognizing these implications, this partnership aims to promote science and technology education that fosters a diverse and inclusive AI landscape.
- As education and self-development play crucial roles in a digital economy, this partnership will provide CAU students with access to free generative AI courses, interactive labs, and Capstone projects, aiming to ensure that future AI development is sustainable and addresses the needs of diverse communities.
