Goals

AI's ubiquitous rise has revolutionized industries, societies, and economies, but a stark imbalance persists in representation, particularly among those affiliated with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). Closing this gap is vital to nurturing an inclusive approach to AI development and utilization. This symposium aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to address barriers faced by historically excluded and marginalized students in AI education. We are seeking open discussions on strategies to attract and retain diverse talents, expanding beyond administrative guidelines to redefine AI goals and priorities. We welcome a wide array of contributions covering the outlined topics and related areas. Join us in shaping the future of AI education in K-12 and higher education by contributing your insights, research findings, and personal experiences. Be part of a transformative dialogue that goes beyond discussions to catalyze meaningful change.

AAAI 2024 Spring Symposia Series

For more information about the AAAI 2024 Spring Symposia Series:

https://aaai.org/conference/spring-symposia/sss24/

Strategic Topics

The following topics have been identified as strategies for increasing diversity in AI education. Abstracts and papers are encouraged that fall within one of these strategic areas. Abstracts and papers on other topics and strategies related to increasing diversity in AI education are encouraged.

• AI at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs): This symposium will spotlight the significant potential within Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in cultivating AI talent. Presentations and discussions will highlight the successes and insights garnered from these institutions. Topics include current training initiatives at HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and AAPISIs, seeking to distill actionable strategies for wider adoption. Papers are encouraged that spotlight successful collaborations between MSIs, non-MSIs, industry, and government agencies. 

• AI for good: The impact of reframing AI from making machines more intelligent than humans to a human-centered and social justice focus for advancing AI has the potential to increase the diversity of people drawn to AI education and research. Topics include how AI for good creates diverse pathways, as well as a broad range of careers for AI professionals in industry, policy, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Topics include how institutions committed to AI for good can attract and train students to thrive in the dynamic landscape of AI. 

• Addressing Digital Inequality: In an era defined by technological advancement, ensuring accessibility is fundamental to achieving true inclusivity. This topic includes the critical issue of digital inequality and its profound impact on AI education. This topic addresses the multifaceted challenges that arise from uneven access to resources and technologies, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Format 

The symposium will consist of invited speakers, paper presentations, panel discussion, breakout discussions, and a poster session.

Submissions 

Submissions are encouraged in the following categories: position paper, research paper, methods paper, review paper, or experience paper. Submissions are not required for attendance. Abstract submission is required for consideration for oral or poster presentations. Full papers are optional. The dates for submission of abstracts and full papers are: 

• extended to January 8: Abstracts (250 words minimum and 1000 words maximum) due. Abstracts are required for consideration for oral or poster presentations. Submit via EasyChair

• January 10: Abstract Acceptance Notice to Authors for oral or poster presentation

• February 19: Optional: Papers (max 8 pages in AAAI format) due to symposium organizers for hosting on the website

• April 1: Accepted final papers in camera-ready format due to AAAI Press for publication

Organizing Committee 

• Jessica Coates (Spelman College)

• Nate Derbinsky (Northeastern)

• Bonnie Dorr (University of Florida)

• Judy Goldsmith (University of Kentucky)

• Naja Mack (Morgan State)

• Mary Lou Maher (UNC Charlotte)

• Jamie Payton (Temple and Invite AI)

• Jodi Reeves (National University and TILOS)

• Mehran Sahami (Stanford)

• Neelu Sinha (Fairleigh Dickinson University)

• Melo-Jean Yap (Johns Hopkins)

• Clement G. Yedjou (Florida A&M)