Expanding AI Literacy at an HBCU: The Launch and Impact of the NCCU Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER)

This paper describes the founding, mission, and early outcomes of the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER), the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) research center established at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Established in January 2025 with $ million in support from Google.org , IAIER represents a bold commitment to equitable AI literacy, ethical research, and community engagement. We describe programming development, such as Soaring Conversations and seed grants, share survey results from pilot learning sessions, and reflect on participant growth in understanding their interest in AI tools. This initiative models how underrepresented institutions can lead national conversations about AI through inclusive, human‐centered practices.