Georgia Tech Partners with Clark Atlanta University for AI Education

On October 15, 2026, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) announced a significant enhancement to its artificial intelligence (AI) programs, supported by a $2.79 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This funding is part of the NSF's ExpandAI initiative and aims to strengthen CAU's capacity for AI education, research, and workforce development through a partnership with Georgia Tech’s AI4OPT Institute. The collaboration is designed to develop academic pathways, including undergraduate AI minors and master's programs, preparing students for careers in AI and advanced research.

The AIHUB@CAU project is a central component of this initiative, led by Charles Pierre, an associate professor in CAU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences. This project brings together faculty expertise in mathematical sciences, cyber-physical systems, and business administration to create a comprehensive educational framework. During a recent meeting at CAU's Thomas W. Cole Jr. Research Center for Science and Technology, updates on the development of undergraduate AI minors and master's-level AI programs were shared, highlighting the progress being made in building a robust academic community around AI education.

As part of the initiative, CAU aims to further integrate AI into its doctoral offerings, providing additional pathways for students interested in pursuing research at the highest academic levels. Dr. Roy George, chair of CAU's Cyber-Physical Systems Program and co-principal investigator of AIHUB@CAU, emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance the university's capabilities in AI research and education. This integration aims to equip students with the technical knowledge necessary to address challenges across various disciplines and industries.

The partnership with Georgia Tech also focuses on expanding faculty expertise and research opportunities. AIHUB@CAU’s collaboration with AI4OPT enhances the educational efforts of both institutions, providing faculty training programs that help educators develop skills in data science, artificial intelligence, and optimization. This professional development is essential for creating new coursework and strengthening institutional expertise, enabling faculty to incorporate cutting-edge AI knowledge into their teaching.

Moving forward, the collaboration between CAU and Georgia Tech represents a significant step in advancing AI education within the region. By connecting academic programs with real-world applications in AI, the initiative seeks to prepare students for the evolving job market and address the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. As both institutions work together to implement this project, they contribute to the broader goal of fostering innovation and research in artificial intelligence, ultimately benefiting students and the community at large.