Bowie State University Secures $1M NSF Grant to Launch AI Experiential Learning Hub

Bowie State University (BSU), Maryland’s oldest historically Black university, has been awarded a US$1 million, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the Computing Experiential Hub (CEH) – a pioneering initiative designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

The CEH will immerse students in industry-sponsored AI projects, faculty-led research, and entrepreneurial collaborations, supported by strategic partnerships with leading tech firms including IBM. The program aims to equip underrepresented students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in high-demand tech careers.

“This isn’t just about learning AI – it’s about doing AI,” said Rose Shumba, chair of BSU’s Department of Computer Science and principal investigator for the CEH. “We’re preparing students to be innovators, not just participants, in the AI revolution.”

The hub will initially enroll 12 students annually, with plans to scale to 30 per year through additional funding. Participants will receive stipends, travel support, and mentorship from faculty, graduate researchers, and industry professionals, enabling full engagement in internships, research symposia, and immersive tech experiences.

As part of NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program, the grant underscores a national push to broaden participation in cutting-edge STEM fields. BSU’s initiative aligns with its mission to expand educational access and economic opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds.

The CEH builds on BSU’s growing momentum in STEM and graduate education. The university recently received a separate US$2.2 million grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to expand its nursing Ph.D. program, aiming to enroll 20 doctoral students by 2029.

With over 6,100 students and more than 100 academic programs – including degrees in computer science, data analytics, and cybersecurity – Bowie State is positioning itself as a national leader in cultivating a diverse, future-ready tech workforce.

“By forging strong ties between academia and industry today,” Dr. Shumba added, “we’re building lasting pathways to leadership for our students and reinforcing BSU’s role as a hub of technological innovation.”