UCF Unveils Inaugural Mentorship, Scholarship Program for Aspiring AI Leaders

Published Date: 11/07/2024

UCF's Center for Research in Computer Vision launches STRONG-AI, a mentorship and scholarship initiative to support promising low-income students in the field of artificial intelligence.

"The University of Central Florida (UCF) is taking a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) through its inaugural mentorship and scholarship initiative, STRONG-AI. The program aims to provide resources and support to bright yet low-income undergraduate students pursuing a well-rounded education in AI.

Led by UCF's Center for Research in Computer Vision (CRCV), a team of five faculty members has received a U.S. National Science Foundation grant totaling nearly $2.5 million over five years to implement the initiative. STRONG-AI is designed to help students navigate the intersections of STEM careers and AI through faculty and peer mentorship and scholarship.

The program builds upon the university's commitment to President Alexander N. Cartwright's vision of becoming the University for the Future through the Artificial Intelligence Initiative. By providing a comprehensive support system, STRONG-AI aims to address the need to identify promising students and provide them with the necessary resources to succeed in the competitive field of AI.

Mubarak Shah, UCF trustee chair professor of computer science and founding director of CRCV, emphasizes the importance of supporting financially challenged and academically talented students in pursuing degrees in STEM majors, particularly in AI. The program has already received over 150 applications and will select 10 to 15 students each year based on financial aid eligibility, academic success, and interviews with faculty.

Students selected for the program will have the opportunity to accelerate their education by taking courses towards their master's degree while working towards their bachelor's. They will also be paired with mentors who will provide guidance and support throughout their academic journey.

Nazanin Rahnavard, professor in UCF's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a STRONG-AI mentor and co-investigator, has witnessed the transformative potential of the previous NSF mentorship program. She believes that the program will change the lives of the selected students and encourage them to pursue a career in AI.

Brian Moore, STRONG-AI program manager and mentor, highlights the importance of focusing on the foundational development of AI, which will give students a solid background and context to further their STEM careers. He notes that the program will provide students with opportunities for tutoring, research, and internships, as well as regular group gatherings.

The explosion of career opportunities in AI has created a growing need for capable students who can develop and apply AI tools. By addressing the significant barriers to academic success faced by students from low-income households, STRONG-AI aims to develop their sense of belonging and provide them with the necessary support to succeed.

Applications for the inaugural STRONG-AI cohort have closed, but students considering applying in the future can check back periodically as early as spring to apply for the next cohort.

 Information 

  The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida.

  The Center for Research in Computer Vision (CRCV) is a research center within UCF that focuses on computer vision and machine learning research.

 The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent agency of the United States government that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering."

FAQs:

"Q: What is the STRONG-AI initiative?

A: STRONG-AI is a mentorship and scholarship initiative launched by UCF's Center for Research in Computer Vision to support promising low-income students in the field of artificial intelligence.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the STRONG-AI program?

A: Students must meet financial aid eligibility, demonstrate academic success, and pass interviews with faculty to be selected for the program.

Q: What benefits do students receive from the STRONG-AI program?

A: Students selected for the program will receive mentorship, scholarship, and opportunities for tutoring, research, and internships, as well as regular group gatherings.

Q: How can I apply for the STRONG-AI program?

A: Applications for the inaugural STRONG-AI cohort have closed, but students considering applying in the future can check back periodically as early as spring to apply for the next cohort.

Q: What is the goal of the STRONG-AI program?

A: The goal of the STRONG-AI program is to identify promising students and provide them with the necessary resources to succeed in the competitive field of artificial intelligence."

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