Professor Carla Johnson is partnering with national and international companies to prepare new professionals for careers in artificial intelligence and data science. Through her project, “Enabling Access for Historically Underserved and Underrepresented Groups to Experiential Learning and Credentials in Artificial Intelligence,” Johnson aims to diversify the STEM workforce by providing experiential learning opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. She, along with other professors from NC State’s College of Engineering, will develop a 40-week externship program in collaboration with companies like Delta Airlines and Lexmark. This program will include workshops, industry mentoring, job shadowing, and real-world industry tasks, all aimed at broadening access to STEM careers. Through her work, Johnson hopes to bridge the opportunity gap and enhance participation in STEM fields for underserved groups.
Professor Carla Johnson
Partnership with College of Engineering and International Companies
Professor Carla Johnson, a faculty member at the NC State College of Education, has formed a groundbreaking partnership with several national and international companies. The aim of this collaboration is to prepare aspiring professionals for successful careers in the fields of artificial intelligence and data science. By leveraging the expertise of these companies, Professor Johnson seeks to diversify the STEM workforce and create opportunities for historically underserved and underrepresented groups.
Preparing New Professionals for Careers
In Artificial Intelligence
In Data Science
As the demand for professionals in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have access to the necessary training and education. Professor Carla Johnson recognizes the importance of preparing new professionals in these fields and is dedicated to providing them with the tools and skills they need to thrive. Through her partnership with the College of Engineering and international companies, she is creating pathways for individuals to embark on successful careers in AI and data science.
Project Overview
Enabling Access for Historically Underserved and Underrepresented Groups
ExLENT-AI Grant
Professor Carla Johnson’s project, “Enabling Access for Historically Underserved and Underrepresented Groups to Experiential Learning and Credentials in Artificial Intelligence (ExLENT-AI),” has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The goal of this project is to provide experiential learning opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including low-income and first-generation students. By broadening access to STEM careers, Professor Johnson aims to address the disparities in computer science education and promote equity in the field.
Collaborators
Professor Min Chi
Associate Professor Collin Lynch
To bring this project to fruition, Professor Carla Johnson is collaborating with Professor Min Chi and Associate Professor Collin Lynch from the NC State College of Engineering. Together, they will develop an externship program that offers hands-on learning experiences to participants. By leveraging their combined expertise, these faculty members will create a comprehensive curriculum that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in AI and data science.
Developing Externship Program
Providing Experiential Learning Opportunities
Broadening Access to STEM Careers
One of the key components of Professor Carla Johnson’s project is the development of an externship program. This program will provide participants with valuable experiential learning opportunities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in the field of AI and data science. By offering this type of practical education, Professor Johnson aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. Additionally, the externship program will serve as a means to broaden access to STEM careers for individuals who have historically been underserved and underrepresented in these fields.
Equity in Computer Science Education
Disparate Access
Opportunity Gap
Promoting Inequities in STEM
Professor Carla Johnson recognizes that there are systemic inequities in computer science education. Many individuals, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, lack access to quality computer science education and tools. This creates an opportunity gap that perpetuates inequities in STEM fields. Through her work, Professor Johnson seeks to address and rectify these disparities by providing active, experiential, and mentored learning opportunities for individuals from underserved groups. By doing so, she aims to promote greater equity and representation in STEM careers.
Partnership with Delta Airlines, Lexmark, Randstad, and Others
Designing and Implementing the Externship Program
Workshop Sessions
Industry Mentoring
Job Shadowing
Real-World Industry Tasks
To ensure the success of the externship program, Professor Carla Johnson has partnered with several esteemed organizations, including Delta Airlines, Lexmark, Randstad, and others. These partners will play a crucial role in designing and implementing the program. They will provide workshop sessions, industry mentoring, job shadowing opportunities, and real-world industry tasks for the participants. By collaborating with these organizations, Professor Johnson aims to provide participants with authentic, real-world applications of the content and skills they are learning. The partners will serve as mentors and role models, inspiring and guiding participants as they navigate their careers in AI and data science.
Extending the AI Academy
Preparing Individuals for Roles in Artificial Intelligence
U.S. Department of Labor Grant
In addition to her work on the ExLENT-AI project, Professor Carla Johnson has been involved in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy. This academy, funded by a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to prepare 5,000 individuals for roles in the field of artificial intelligence. However, the AI Academy has primarily been accessible to current employees of partner companies as an on-the-job training program. With the extension of the AI Academy through the ExLENT-AI project, Professor Johnson will now target individuals who are historically excluded or underserved in STEM and currently unemployed or underemployed. This expansion will provide opportunities for individuals to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in AI.
Targeting Historically Excluded and Underserved Individuals
Unemployed or Underemployed
On-the-Job Training Program
To ensure that individuals who are historically excluded or underserved in STEM have access to the AI Academy, Professor Carla Johnson is targeting individuals who are currently unemployed or underemployed. By offering an on-the-job training program, these individuals will have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in artificial intelligence. This program aims to empower individuals to build successful careers in AI and overcome the barriers that have limited their access to these fields in the past.
Establishing a Community of Learners
Mentorship
Job Search and Placement Process
In addition to providing training and education, Professor Carla Johnson’s ExLENT-AI project aims to establish a community of learners. Mentorship will play a key role in this community, with experienced professionals guiding and supporting participants as they navigate their career paths in AI and data science. Furthermore, the project will support participants through their job search and placement process, ensuring that they have the resources and guidance needed to secure fulfilling roles in the field. By establishing this community, Professor Johnson seeks to create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters success and growth for all participants.
In conclusion, Professor Carla Johnson’s partnership with the College of Engineering and international companies marks an important step towards preparing new professionals for careers in artificial intelligence and data science. Through the ExLENT-AI project, Professor Johnson aims to bridge the opportunity gap in STEM by providing experiential learning opportunities for historically underserved and underrepresented groups. With the support of her collaborators and industry partners, she strives to create a more equitable and diverse workforce in AI and data science. By extending the AI Academy and targeting unemployed or underemployed individuals, Professor Johnson is expanding access to AI education and training. Through mentorship and support, she seeks to establish a community of learners that empowers participants to succeed in their AI and data science careers.
