Howard University is making strides in the field of artificial intelligence education by hosting an engaging event titled “Shaping the Future: AI, Tech Innovation, and the Next-Generation Workforce.” This initiative aims to connect emerging research, national priorities, and regional efforts with opportunities accessible to students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The discussion was spearheaded by Dr. Talitha Washington, who serves as the executive director of the Howard University Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics. The event was moderated by Nicholas Abram, a junior in the College of Engineering and Architecture and a Karsh STEM scholar. Featured panelists included U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), along with Dean Kimberly L. Jones, Ph.D., of the College of Engineering and Architecture.
Dr. Washington emphasized the necessity of equipping students for a future increasingly shaped by AI technology. She announced the introduction of new AI courses set to launch this spring, an AI certificate program scheduled for fall 2026, and collaborations with tech companies, including the Amazon Web Services’ Machine Learning University Educator Bootcamp. “Through the president’s AI Advisory Council, we are actively aligning research, curriculum, operations, and partnerships so that every Howard student gains meaningful AI literacy regardless of their discipline,” Dr. Washington remarked, underscoring the urgency for institutions to provide relevant training and real-world experiences in light of AI’s rapid advancement.
Howard University’s commitment to interdisciplinary AI research spans diverse areas such as secure autonomy, trustworthy AI, human-machine interaction, language technologies, and community-centered innovation. This strategic approach aims to prepare students for careers that bridge technology and societal needs.
During the event, Abram voiced concerns reflected by many students about the overwhelming pace of AI development. “It feels like new AI tools are coming out every single day. In this time of rapid development, many of our students are worried,” he stated, questioning how HBCU students can keep pace in an evolving workforce.
In response, Rep. Mfume quoted Martin Luther King Jr., asserting the ongoing relevance of those words in today’s context. He highlighted that federal leadership is dedicated to creating broader opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.
Both Rep. Mfume and Rep. Khanna stressed the necessity of digital equity and access to technology for underserved communities. Rep. Khanna encouraged technology firms to actively recruit from HBCUs and spoke about the TechWise program that offers nine-month AI courses and job placement opportunities for students across 15 HBCUs. “Those jobs are still going to exist. The key is to be trained and educated in AI technology, to understand its use, and how to apply it,” he noted.
Students also posed questions regarding the ethical dimensions and societal implications of AI. Rep. Khanna pointed out that the development of AI should enhance human capabilities, stressing the importance of contributions from a diverse array of disciplines including philosophy, ethics, and the humanities in shaping AI’s trajectory.
Rep. Mfume encouraged students to recognize their potential impact, reminding them, “Your opinion has real value.” This collective dialogue not only highlights Howard University’s efforts to empower its students but also reflects broader initiatives aimed at ensuring that the future workforce is inclusive and well-equipped to embrace the technological advancements on the horizon.