Educators From Across the Nation Explore Agentic AI for Teaching, Research and Workforce Development
AAMU Advances AI Education With Second AWS Boot Camp
Alabama A&M University continued to expand its role in artificial intelligence education and workforce development by hosting its second Generative AI Boot Camp, bringing approximately 180 educators, researchers, institutional leaders and information technology professionals together to explore the next frontier of AI: autonomous agents.
Held Sept. 1-2 at the Ernest L. Knight Center and online, the two-day Agentic AI Boot Camp was presented in partnership with the Alliance for AI Transformation, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and AWS Machine Learning University. Participants represented educational institutions from across the country, with a particular focus on historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions and community colleges.
The program built on AAMU’s first Generative AI Boot Camp, held in June, while moving participants deeper into the rapidly evolving field of agentic AI. Unlike traditional generative AI systems that primarily respond to prompts, AI agents can be designed to reason, plan and carry out tasks with varying levels of autonomy.
Through guided labs, real-world use cases and collaborative problem-solving, participants learned to design, deploy and evaluate AI agents using AWS tools and frameworks. Sessions also addressed responsible AI practices, scalability and ways institutions can incorporate the technology into teaching, research and operations.
“Alabama A&M has made AI a major priority for our University, and the boot camps have helped to support the AI initiatives launched by our president, Dr. Daniel K. Wims, about two years ago,” said Dr. Majed El-Dweik, AAMU vice president of Research and Economic Development.
Dr. Yinshu Wu, left, joins Dr. Ahmed Ouf and Extension IT Coordinator Lamar Pryor during Alabama A&M University’s Agentic AI Boot Camp.
AAMU is one of five regional lead institutions for AWS Machine Learning University, a designation that expands access to AI and machine learning training, curriculum and collaborative learning opportunities.
The initiative is designed not only to introduce educators to emerging technology but also to help them translate what they learn into stronger educational experiences for students.
Dr. Marjorie Vela, head of strategic academic initiatives for Machine Learning University at AWS, said the organization is working closely with educators, particularly those at HBCUs and community colleges, to reduce barriers to adopting AI.
“Students gain a whole new perspective on AI when faculty not only use AI tools but also integrate AI into classroom instruction,” Vela said.
The boot camp was moderated by Dr. Calvin Briggs, founder and president of the Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM. Presenters included AWS Machine Learning University Fellows Dr. Yinshu Wu and Dr. Kenneth Sartor; Vela; and José Cassio dos Santos Jr., a data scientist and technical curriculum developer with Amazon Machine Learning University.
Alabama state Rep. Laura Hall, center, addresses participants during Alabama A&M University’s Agentic AI Boot Camp at the Ernest L. Knight Center.
Briggs said the training gives faculty and staff an opportunity to move beyond simply learning about AI and begin considering how it can support student success.
“The purpose of this boot camp is really to provide faculty and staff around the Southeast from HBCUs and minority-serving institutions an opportunity to learn about AI, whether it’s generative or agentic, and how these tools can really support and assist student success within their classrooms,” Briggs said.
The Alliance for AI Transformation works across higher education and industry to help colleges and universities integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into teaching, research and institutional operations. Its work includes faculty training, industry-aligned curricula, cloud-based learning environments and pathways designed to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce.
The program also included a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, giving participants an opportunity to connect their work in emerging technologies with Huntsville’s broader science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
A third boot camp is planned for spring 2027. For upcoming programs and registration information, visit the Alliance for AI Transformation.