The MOST Scholarship Program by AI Consultants for Nonprofits seeks to enhance representation and expertise of BIPOC leaders in leveraging AI for organizational success.
In Charlotte, NC, a new initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) professionals in nonprofit leadership roles and the tech industry. AI Consultants for Nonprofits (AICN) has launched The MOST (Maximizing Our Success with Technology): AI Certification Scholarship Program. This scholarship is specifically tailored for BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations, providing access to an accredited program focused on the strategic integration of generative AI in the nonprofit sector.
According to recent studies, BIPOC individuals hold only 36% of leadership roles within nonprofit organizations and these groups face increased financial instability. A parallel study by McKinsey and Company indicates that generative AI has the potential to significantly reduce the racial economic gap, potentially generating up to $4.4 trillion globally across various sectors.
Shereese Floyd, founder of AI Consultants for Nonprofits, highlighted the disparity in AI expertise, saying, “BIPOC nonprofit leaders and business leaders, in general, believe that generative AI will positively impact their business. Yet, when we discuss AI’s impact, BIPOC leaders are often absent from the conversation, aligning with their overall lower representation in STEM fields.”
The MOST Scholarship Program aims to bridge this gap by equipping BIPOC nonprofit leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to leverage AI effectively in their organizations. Floyd explained, “Our goal is to put AI literacy in the hands of 1,000 BIPOC leaders over the next year. Early adoption of these tools can result in the gains already seen by others.”
The 12-week intensive AI certification course, accredited by The CPD Standard Office, offers comprehensive training in areas like prompt engineering, tool selection, strategic planning, capacity building, fundraising, and marketing. Valued at $5,000, the program is designed to guide nonprofit leaders in thinking like consultants and applying AI knowledge to advance their organization’s mission and community impact.
Applications for The MOST Scholarship Program are now open. Interested BIPOC nonprofit leaders can apply by visiting the AICN website and completing a short application form that includes demographic information, the organization’s mission and impact, and a commitment to program completion and long-term AI utilization in the organization. The application deadline is August 31st, 2024, with scholarship awards being announced on October 14th, 2024. Successful applicants can expect to pay no more than $499 out-of-pocket after receiving 90-100% off tuition.
Post-program support includes monthly AI strategy sessions with AICN consultants, access to a peer network of fellow BIPOC nonprofit leaders, and quarterly workshops on emerging AI trends and applications. Floyd emphasized the importance of ongoing support, stating, “We’re not just providing training; we’re providing a successful system for strategic use of this technology. This ongoing support ensures that our graduates can continue to adapt as AI technology evolves.”
AICN is dedicated to making AI accessible to nonprofits, school systems, and government agencies through training, consulting, and certification programs designed to upskill staff with immediate, actionable generative AI skills. For more information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the AICN website.
