Google HBCU RISE Summit Equips FAMU Students, Faculty with AI Skills
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University welcomed Google to campus Oct. 8 for the Google HBCU RISE Summit, giving students and faculty an opportunity to explore artificial intelligence (AI), develop practical skills and learn how emerging technologies are reshaping education and the workforce.
More than 1,000 students registered for the summit, reflecting strong interest in artificial intelligence and its growing role in education and career development. The event featured a keynote presentation titled “The State of AI and Future of Work,” a panel discussion on “Innovating Responsibly in the AI Era” and specialized breakout sessions focused on AI fundamentals, advanced AI applications and faculty development. The sessions encouraged participants to explore emerging technologies, discuss responsible AI use and discover ways to incorporate these tools into their academic and professional lives.
Florida A&M University students engage in conversation outside the Google HBCU RISE
Summit on Oct. 8. The event introduced students to emerging artificial intelligence
technologies and opportunities to develop skills for academic and professional success.
(Photos courtesy of Christian Whitaker and Curtis Smith)
Jennifer Collins, Ph.D., associate provost for student success at FAMU, emphasized the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop skills that align with the demands of an evolving workforce.
“It is important because we have a responsibility to prepare our students for the world they are entering, not just the world as it exists today,” Collins said. “AI is already changing how people learn, work, create and solve problems across almost every industry.”
Collins said the University's goal extends beyond introducing students to AI technology. FAMU wants students to develop the confidence and skills necessary to use these tools effectively while understanding their broader implications.
“We want our students to move beyond simply being AI literate to becoming AI fluent—understanding how to use these tools responsibly, productively and creatively,” Collins said.
She added that opportunities to engage with industry leaders such as Google help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and professional expectations, providing students with practical experiences that can strengthen their career readiness.
A Google representative interacts with a FAMU student at the Google Gemini Lounge
during the HBCU RISE Summit. The event provided students with opportunities to explore
AI technology and learn how emerging tools can support their academic and professional
development. (Photos courtesy of Christian Whitaker and Curtis Smith)
For Miah Taylor, a second-year journalism student from Jacksonville, helping bring the Google HBCU RISE Summit to FAMU was an opportunity to connect fellow Rattlers with emerging technologies.
As a Google brand ambassador, Taylor played a role in bringing the summit to campus and encouraging students to explore how AI tools, including Google Gemini, could support their academic and professional development.
Taylor said the experience was meaningful because it provided an opportunity to address concerns students may have about AI and its growing influence on their future careers.
A Google representative engages with a FAMU student at the Gemini Lounge during the
Google HBCU RISE Summit. The interactive experience gave students an opportunity to
connect with Google representatives and explore emerging technologies. (Photos courtesy
of Christian Whitaker and Curtis Smith)
“My hopes for this summit were to get students comfortable with using Google Gemini responsibly and making sure that Rattlers have the experience to go into the competitive workforce with AI skills under their belts,” Taylor said.
Beyond the student experience, Taylor said one of the summit's most memorable moments was watching faculty members explore ways to incorporate AI into their teaching.
“Their ability to adapt to learning with a newer tool is admirable,” Taylor said.
For students attending the summit, the experience also offered practical insight into how AI could support their everyday academic responsibilities.
FAMU students participate in an interactive Google Gemini demonstration during the
Google HBCU RISE Summit on Oct. 8. The experience introduced students to AI-powered
tools designed to enhance learning, creativity and productivity. (Photos courtesy
of Christian Whitaker and Curtis Smith)
Mikiyah Blackmon, a second-year public relations student from Orlando, said she attended the summit to strengthen her understanding of AI and explore how emerging technologies could help her remain competitive in the workforce.
One of her biggest takeaways was discovering tools that could make studying and organizing coursework more efficient, particularly as a visual learner.
“One thing I learned that I plan to use professionally is Gemini Notebook in order to organize my notes, condense readings and use the video overview tool as I am a visual learner and found that tool helpful,” Blackmon said.
Her experience highlighted how AI tools can support different learning styles while helping students build skills they can carry into their professional careers.
Through hands-on learning opportunities and discussions about responsible innovation, the Google HBCU RISE Summit reinforced FAMU's commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce.
The event provided students and faculty with opportunities to explore how AI can enhance learning, support creativity and strengthen professional skills while encouraging thoughtful and responsible use of emerging technologies.
FAMU students engage in a hands-on learning session during the Google HBCU RISE Summit.
The summit featured specialized workshops focused on AI fundamentals, advanced applications
and responsible technology use to help prepare students for an evolving workforce.
(Photos courtesy of Christian Whitaker and Curtis Smith)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
