HYPE Joins Forces with AI Day in the A to Empower Future Tech Leaders
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept—it’s here, reshaping our daily lives and industries. At HYPE, we’re dedicated to ensuring that our scholars, particularly young women of color, are equipped to lead in this evolving landscape. That’s why HYPE was thrilled when Microsoft invited us to be a part of AI Day in the A, a collaborative event designed to make Generative AI accessible to all.
Why AI Day in the A?
AI Day in the A is more than just an event; it’s a movement to democratize AI education across diverse communities. Hosted by a coalition of organizations spanning various industries, the day offers hands-on experiences, interactive activities, and insights into the transformative power of Generative AI. Our invitation to participate stems from our ongoing collaboration with Microsoft and our pioneering AI pilot program at South Atlanta High School.
HYPE’s Role and Activations
Our commitment to this initiative is exemplified by the leadership of our founder and executive director, Kristina Newton, and our Director of Business Development, Sheila Milton, who are serving as co-chairs of the host committee. Their involvement underscores our dedication to fostering inclusive tech education.
We’re excited to spearhead two key activations:
- State Farm Thursday: Women in Tech with an AI Focus 75 HYPE scholars visited the State Farm offices to participate in a day-long field trip with a long-standing HYPE partner. The agenda included a panel discussion featuring leading women in tech, an exclusive tour of the facilities, and two interactive activities. Students engaged in a “Writing Your Future Story with Generative AI,” activity where they learned to harness the storytelling potential of generative AI to write their own futures.
- Microsoft Garage AI Experience In collaboration with Microsoft, 25 students engaged in a full day of AI-centered activities at the renowned Microsoft Garage. This immersive experience, led by Microsoft’s AI experts, offered our scholars a deep dive into the practical applications and potential of AI technologies.
Collective Impact and Community Involvement
Being part of AI Day in the A is a prime example of how we’re living out our core value of community and contributing to a larger collective effort aimed at bridging the tech education gap. Through initiatives like these, we not only provide our students with unparalleled opportunities but also collaborate with other community organizations to amplify the event’s reach and impact. Notably, Microsoft’s provision of $500 microgrants has enabled various organizations to participate, fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to AI education.
A Word from Our Founder
Reflecting on this collaboration, Newton shared:
“Given the recent advancement of AI’s influence on our daily lives and HYPE’s work centered around cultivating the next generation of women in tech leaders, participating in AI Day in the A has been pivotal in helping us advance our mission. The opportunity to bring collective energy, excitement, and AI education to over 100 HYPE scholars around the city is another key to unlock the potential of historically underrepresented girls who will thrive as leaders in future tech careers!”
Looking Ahead
Our involvement in AI Day in the A is a testament to HYPE’s unwavering commitment to empowering young women with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel in technology-driven fields. We believe that by providing these opportunities, we’re not only shaping individual futures but also contributing to a more diverse and innovative tech industry.
Stay connected with us for more updates on our programs and initiatives as we continue to champion the next generation of women in tech!