Howard University and Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently collaborated to host the first AWS Machine Learning University Education Bootcamp in 2025. The four-day event brought together over 200 faculty and administrators through a hybrid format combining on-site programming in the innovations of Howard University's engineering and architecture.
The program has attracted educators from 35 institutions and has earned strong representatives from historically black universities, Hispanic service institutions and community colleges. This broad participation is consistent with the comprehensive goals from Howard's AI initiative, equipping all students and faculty with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the field, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating the concept of artificial intelligence across fields. It also supports AI and machine learning (ML) teaching across academia, in line with AWS initiatives.
“This collaboration with AWS represents a pivotal moment to expand AI education on the industry,” says Dr. Kimberly L. Jones, dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture. “By bringing AWS cutting-edge industry expertise to faculty, we are creating a pathway for faculty to accelerate the implementation of transformative AI and ML curricula in classrooms across the country, and prepare them to become leaders in AI innovation.”
Jose Casio dos Santos Jr., a senior applied scientist at AWS, guided participants through a curriculum adopted by AWS internal training programs. The bootcamp focused on the fundamentals of ML, and subsequent sessions explored implementation strategies and student engagement approaches tailored to a variety of institutional contexts.
“We are accustomed to the development of our research and development,” said Dr. Talisa Washington, executive director of the Center for Applied Data Science and Analysis at Howard University. “As educators, I am continuing to seek new ways to prepare students to become leaders, especially in today's rapidly evolving, AI-driven workforce.”
The program provided participants with direct exposure to industrial applications of robotics and automation, including networking opportunities beyond technical sessions and site visits to local Amazon Fulfillment Centers. Washington gave guest lectures examining key intersections between innovation, AI and national priorities, encouraging participants to advance their curriculum that prepares them to lead the AI-driven future.
“The industry parallel curriculum is a catalyst that transforms academic possibilities into reality for innovation. Collaboration with Howard through the MLU Educators Consortium will provide faculty and students with practical tools and frameworks to provide practical AI experiences.” “Howard's leadership in hosting the first machine learning bootcamp shows how strategic academic collaboration accelerates both learning and groundbreaking discoveries, ensuring that next-generation AI innovators reflect the fresh perspectives they need to tackle tomorrow's biggest challenges.”
The bootcamp concluded with the establishment of a year-long professional development community, ensuring sustainable collaboration for participants in institutional implementation of AI/ML courses and research programs. Teachers will maintain their connection through regular virtual engagement sessions, shared resources, and ongoing support from AWS.
“We've seen a lot of effort into making our customers more comfortable,” said Jeryl Concepcion, Senior Program Manager at AWS Machine Learning University. “Howard's leadership in AI will become a natural participant as he seeks to expand access to industry-related AI and ML education across higher education.”
For more information about the AWS Machine Learning University and The Educator Enablement program, visit https://aws.amazon.com/ai/machine-learning/educators.
