Alabama A&M University has been selected as a regional lead institution for Amazon Web Services Machine Learning University, a move that strengthens the university’s position in Artificial Intelligence and machine learning education, research, and workforce development. AAMU joins Delaware State University, Howard University, City Colleges of Chicago, and Oklahoma City Community College as one of five institutions nationwide chosen to serve as a regional lead by AWS-MLU. The designation follows AAMU’s convening of a national gathering of Historically Black Colleges and Universities focused on Artificial Intelligence, highlighting its growing role in expanding access to emerging technologies and deepening collaboration among HBCUs.
As a regional lead, AAMU will expand access to Amazon’s machine learning curriculum, including content used to train Amazon engineers, and will provide low to no cost cloud-based computing resources through Amazon SageMaker Studio Lab. These tools are intended to support hands-on learning and research in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, giving students practical experience with real-world applications. Faculty will receive professional development, lesson-planning support, course playbooks, and AWS cloud credits to strengthen instruction and advance research initiatives. The designation also opens additional collaboration with AWS experts and peer institutions in the AWS-MLU network, enhancing research capacity in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and data science.
The initiative is designed to create direct pathways to high-demand careers in Artificial Intelligence and machine learning while addressing the national shortage of technology talent and broadening access for students historically underrepresented in computer science and related fields. Beyond classroom instruction, AAMU will act as a regional resource for Artificial Intelligence and machine learning education and training, working with industry partners and community organizations to support economic development through technology workforce preparation. Faculty and students will also have opportunities to present research at annual AWS symposiums and participate in wider scholarly and industry collaborations.
Programs under the regional lead designation are scheduled to launch in the upcoming academic year, with faculty training and curriculum integration beginning this summer and student enrollment in AWS-MLU courses developed by faculty members of the 2025-2026 AWS-MLU cohort to follow in the fall semester. University leaders said the partnership gives faculty and students access to world-class resources, strengthens ties with industry and other HBCUs, and supports a more diverse pipeline of technology leaders across Alabama and the Southeast. The university said the effort aligns with its commitment to advancing equitable access to Artificial Intelligence and machine learning education in an increasingly technology-driven workforce and economy.
