AWS names five regional lead institutions for AI and machine learning training initiative

Delaware State University, Howard University, Alabama A&M, City Colleges of Chicago, and Oklahoma City Community College will lead regional efforts to expand AI and machine learning education through Amazon Web Services’ Machine Learning University.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has named five U.S. institutions as regional leads for its Machine Learning University (AWS-MLU) initiative, a program designed to expand artificial intelligence and machine learning training across higher education.

The institutions will coordinate professional development, bootcamps, and curriculum development as part of a broader effort to strengthen AI skills pipelines in U.S. colleges and universities.

The institutions selected as regional leads are Delaware State University, Howard University, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, City Colleges of Chicago, and Oklahoma City Community College.

AWS said the network will support faculty training, student programs, and collaborative course development linked to generative AI and agentic AI technologies.

Universities and community colleges lead regional training

Under the initiative, the five lead institutions will host AWS-MLU Generative AI and Agentic AI bootcamps alongside business case competitions designed for student teams.

The program also includes hands-on AI and machine learning training aimed at expanding practical skills development within participating institutions.

AWS said faculty fellows from the lead universities will work with the Distributed Teaching Collaborative Consortium, led by Dr. Odest Chadwicke Jenkins at the University of Michigan, to develop course materials and expand AI teaching nationally.

The collaboration is intended to strengthen AI education pathways across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and community colleges in particular.

The initiative will connect faculty from the lead institutions with educators across the consortium to develop teaching materials and expand access to AI education.

Dr. Margie Vela, Head of Strategic Initiatives for Machine Learning University at Amazon Web Services, says the model is designed to create a coordinated approach to AI education across institutions. “This is how we build national momentum: through regional leadership, shared creation, & a collective commitment to preparing students everywhere to thrive in an AI-driven world,” she says.

AWS Public Sector announced the initiative on LinkedIn, describing the institutions as regional leaders advancing professional development and capacity building in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

AI skills development expands across higher education

The program reflects increasing collaboration between technology companies and higher education institutions as demand grows for AI and machine learning skills across the workforce.

AWS said the regional leads will support training initiatives, curriculum development, and student programs designed to prepare graduates for AI-related careers across multiple sectors.

The initiative also highlights the role of HBCUs and community colleges in expanding access to emerging technology education as universities adapt programs to meet changing workforce needs.

ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 are now open and recognize education technology organizations delivering measurable impact across K–12, higher education, and lifelong learning. The awards are open to entries from the UK, the Americas, and internationally, with submissions assessed on evidence of outcomes and real-world application.