HUNTSVILLE – Marking a significant step toward cultivating a tech industry that is more representative of the communities it serves, Drake State Community & Technical College is participating in the Amazon Web Services–Machine Learning University Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance.
The college is one of 14 historically Black institutions collaborating to expand access to AI and machine learning education across the state.
“Drake State is committed to ensuring that our students are not only prepared for today’s workforce but are equipped to lead in tomorrow’s innovation economy,” said Lydia Owens, Drake State’s Business, Computer Science, and Engineering Technologies Division chair. “Through this partnership with AWS and the Machine Learning University Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance, we are opening doors to cutting-edge AI and machine learning education that will empower our students to create solutions for real-world challenges and drive inclusive progress across Alabama and beyond.”
The Alliance for AI and Machine Learning is a groundbreaking initiative co-led by Dr. Calvin Briggs of the Southern STEM Center and Dr. Majed Dweik of Alabama A&M University. The new alliance will serve as a catalyst for integrating AI across educational institutions and strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.
“Industry-aligned AI and machine learning teaching and research are essential to preparing the workforce of the future and ensuring that innovation benefits everyone,” said Margie Vela, senior program manager-Machine Learning University, AWS. “We’re proud to support our education partners across the Southern Region as they lead the way in advancing inclusive innovation that connects learning, research, and real-world impact.”
The effort positions Alabama as an emerging hub for machine learning education and innovation.
By expanding AI and machine learning opportunities for HBCU students, they are equipped with the skills to shape how this transformative technology is developed and deployed, locally and globally.
Whether creating algorithms that serve communities more fairly or designing AI solutions that address local challenges, the students are becoming architects of a more equitable technological future.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
