At the October 2024 AI Edge Summit, an AI conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the audience skewed younger than anticipated. 

Thanks to a microgrant SeedAI issued to the group earlier this year, 24 students from the Dakota State University (DSU) Artificial Intelligence Club participated in the conference. This grant covered travel and attendance costs of the students as part of the SeedAI grant program’s mission to provide educational and professional development opportunities for AI students from underrepresented or underprivileged backgrounds. 

At the AI Edge Summit, students got to hear from Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, who made a surprise appearance at the event to give a quick lighting talk about the importance of AI.  They also learned how to use tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney to generate creative multimedia content. Throughout the day, the students learned about the various ways that industry leaders have leveraged AI for career development. 

DSU’s AI Club members described the programming at the conference as providing an  “interactive, skills-oriented exploration that allowed students to engage directly with AI tools, learning their potential for real-world impact.” Professor Mark Spanier, faculty advisor for the AI Club, highlighted the impact of SeedAI’s support for students with limited opportunities for professional development and growth, noting “the SeedAI funds made their participation in this event possible. So, thanks for everything SeedAI and all your team have done to make these funds available.” 

SeedAI launched its microgrant pilot program earlier this year to fill gaps in the AI skills landscape. The program aims to provide crucial financial support to those who might otherwise lack access to resources in the rapidly evolving field of AI. 

SeedAI has developed formal partnerships with nine community colleges and universities, including DSU, and has allocated over $90,000 in microgrants across these institutions. This program directly invests in the future of AI education and ensures that a diverse range of students can participate in and benefit from AI.