Howard University Launches Howard AI Network powered by AWS to Accelerate AI Research, Infrastructure, and Workforce Readiness
Publish Date: 2026-05-21 13:39:00
Source Domain: thedig.howard.edu
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) has selected Howard University as one of five regional lead institutions for its AWS-Machine Learning University (AWS-MLU) program.
- The Howard AI Network powered by AWS will help advance AI research, expand infrastructure and capacity, and build sustainable AI readiness across the Washington, D.C. metro area and beyond.
- Howard University will lead AI and machine learning bootcamps, workshops, and a regional business case competition in collaboration with AWS-MLU, promoting AI and machine learning education.
- The Howard-led network aims to increase access to cloud-enabled learning environments, enhance faculty development, and facilitate applied AI training to strengthen workforce readiness.
- Starting in 2026, Howard University will host two multi-day AI/ML bootcamps, intensive summer grant-writing workshops, individualized mentoring, and a regional AWS business case competition.
- The network is led by Talitha Washington, Ph.D., and backed by an experienced team with expertise spanning artificial intelligence, data science, digital business, and STEM education.
- The initiative aims to foster a multidisciplinary AI research and infrastructure approach, ensuring students are prepared for leadership roles in an AI-enabled economy.
- AWS-MLU’s regional lead institutions strategy includes Howard University, Delaware State University, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, City Colleges of Chicago, and Oklahoma City Community College.
