“The Breakthrough Tech AI Program” Reps for the Underrepresented and Prepares Students for Careers in AI
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are driving technological innovation, programs that provide equitable access to these fields are more important than ever. The Breakthrough Tech AI Program—a collaboration between Cornell Tech, Hofstra University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign—seeks to address this need by equipping underrepresented undergraduate students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in AI, ML, and data science. Backed by a $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the program aims to democratize AI education by expanding access to high-quality instruction across institutions of higher education.
Building AI Expertise for the Future
Professor Jule Schatz, from the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, is leading the Illinois portion of the program. She reflects on how the program began: “In early 2024, I was introduced to Break Through Tech by my mentor, Colleen Lewis. With my interest in AI education and its societal impact, I immediately jumped at the chance to help lead this initiative.”
The BreakThrough Tech AI Program offers a virtual, one-year, extracurricular learning experience to students, primarily those in their second year of undergraduate studies. Through targeted coursework, students develop foundational coding skills essential for the fields of data science, AI, and ML. Upon completion, they earn a certificate from Cornell University, signifying their readiness to enter one of the most in-demand sectors in technology.
Hands-on Learning and Industry Insights
One of the highlights of the program is its summer session, led by Illinois, where 60 students gain hands-on experience with machine learning principles. Over nine weeks, students participate in a mix of asynchronous learning and weekly live lab sessions. In these labs, they collaborate on real-world industry projects, gaining both technical proficiency and essential soft skills like teamwork and communication.
Mentorship plays a critical role in student development, with industry experts guiding participants through job preparation and interview techniques. “The students get a chance to connect with industry professionals and build relationships that could be key to their career development,” Schatz notes.
Scaling AI Education and Increasing Diversity
As the program expands, the goal is to reach 1,500 students annually by the end of the three-year NSF grant period. The initiative is focused on enhancing diversity within STEM fields, particularly AI and ML, which have historically lacked representation from underserved groups. To support this growth, five new instructional hubs will be established across different universities, and instructors will undergo a “Train the Trainer” program to ensure a consistent and high-quality learning experience across institutions.
The results of the program have been promising. In a survey from this past summer, 93% of students reported a sense of belonging in AI and data science, while 98% attributed their progress to the mentorship they received from their instructors. Schatz emphasizes the importance of helping students build confidence in discussing complex AI topics: “Once students gain the vocabulary and foundational understanding, they can fully participate in conversations that propel their learning and professional growth.”
A Model for Inclusive AI Education
By providing underserved students with a clear path into AI and data science careers, the BreakThrough Tech AI Program aims to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The program’s scalable approach to AI education not only opens doors for students but also offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of distributed instructional hubs. As AI continues to shape the future of work, initiatives like this are critical in ensuring that talent from all backgrounds has the opportunity to participate and lead in this transformative field.
With the rapid evolution of AI technologies, programs like BreakThrough Tech AI are poised to bridge gaps in education and workforce diversity, setting the stage for a more inclusive and innovative future in AI and data science.
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