From Vision to Implementation
Building the AI-Ready HBCU
HBCU AICON 2027 closes the implementation gap. We are calling on practitioners, presidents, faculty, students, technologists, policymakers, and partners to share the strategies, case studies, and tools moving Black higher education from AI vision to AI reality.
Six questions every institution must answer
How do we adopt AI responsibly?
How do we train faculty and staff?
How do we govern AI?
How do we prepare students for AI-enabled careers?
How do we secure funding and partnerships?
How do we measure success?
Two days. One implementation roadmap.
Leadership, Strategy & Institutional Readiness
Executive Leadership Track
Presidents, Provosts, Deans, CIOs, Board Members
- ▸Building an AI strategy
- ▸AI governance models
- ▸Procurement and vendor selection
- ▸Budgeting for AI adoption
- ▸Change management
Faculty Innovation Track
Faculty, instructional designers, academic leaders
- ▸AI in teaching and learning
- ▸Academic integrity
- ▸Curriculum redesign
- ▸Faculty upskilling
Student Success Track
Student affairs, career services, student leaders
- ▸AI career readiness
- ▸Student entrepreneurship
- ▸AI internships
- ▸Student AI ambassadors
HBCU AI Case Study Showcase
Institutions ready to share lessons learned
- ▸What you implemented
- ▸What worked
- ▸What failed
- ▸Lessons learned and peer-ready playbooks
Action, Partnerships & Collaboration
AI Solution Labs
Cross-institution teams tackling shared challenges
- ▸Developing an AI policy
- ▸Faculty training strategy
- ▸Student AI literacy plan
- ▸Workforce development programs
- ▸AI grant opportunities
Partnership Marketplace
AI companies, foundations, federal agencies, workforce orgs, venture partners
- ▸Speed networking
- ▸Partnership matching
- ▸Pilot project discussions
- ▸Ecosystem expansion
Policy & Public Interest AI Forum
Policy leaders, researchers, public sector
- ▸AI governance
- ▸Civil rights implications
- ▸Responsible AI
- ▸Public sector adoption
- ▸Regulatory developments
HBCU AI Action Commitments
Before leaving, every institution commits to one AI goal, one partnership goal, and one student success goal. Commitments are collected and revisited throughout the year via the Summer AI Sessions and year-round programming.
How you can contribute
Case Study
20-minute presentation of an implemented HBCU AI initiative — what worked, what failed, what's next.
Panel
60-minute moderated discussion (3–4 panelists) on a strategic challenge or opportunity.
Workshop
75-minute hands-on session producing a tangible artifact (policy draft, training plan, etc.).
Solution Lab Facilitator
Lead a Day 2 team through structured collaboration to a draft action plan.
Lightning Talk
10-minute focused talk on a tool, tactic, or early-stage project.
Proposal requirements
- 01Title and 250-word abstract describing your session and its implementation focus.
- 02Track (Executive, Faculty, Student Success, Case Study, Solution Lab, Partnership, Policy) and format.
- 03Learning outcomes — three specific takeaways attendees will leave with.
- 04Evidence or artifacts — data, policies, syllabi, pilots, or outcomes you'll share.
- 05Presenter bios (max 150 words each) and institutional affiliations.
- 06Equity & accessibility statement — how your session reflects HBCU values and inclusive AI.
Submit your proposal
Complete the form below. We review on a rolling basis and will follow up at the email you provide.
Questions? Email papers@hbcuaicon.org.