At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), the Emerging Scholars and Leaders Program is shaping tomorrow’s innovators.
Launched through the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER), the program combines mentorship, hands-on projects and leadership training to help students, faculty and staff thrive in an AI-driven world.
In its inaugural year, the program selected ten students and ten faculty or staff members in its inaugural year. Undergraduate students must hold a 2.75 GPA, while graduate students need a 3.0 GPA, along with a demonstrated interest in emerging technologies. Faculty and staff are chosen for their commitment to bringing AI into their teaching, research or daily work.
Participants receive a stipend, professional development opportunities, and the chance to collaborate on AI projects. The year ends with a showcase demonstrating the program’s impact on campus and beyond.
“The program pairs mentorship with cross-disciplinary work in AI, giving students research literacy, communication skills and real opportunities to publish or present,” said Drew Johnson, Ph.D., industry and community outreach coordinator for IAIER. “It opens doors to internships, fellowships, and graduate study while preparing future leaders to navigate complex challenges and drive responsible innovation.”
That mission is reflected in the experiences of students themselves.
This program has helped me build leadership skills, connect with fellow peers, and explore opportunities I never imagined,” said Breyona Scott, a 2025 Emerging Scholar.