Amita Shetty, an Indian-American advocate for technology education and gender equity, will lead the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) innovative Data + AI program, set to launch during the 2025-26 academic year.
The program, supported by a $1 million grant from Google, will provide undergraduate students across all disciplines with the opportunity to develop data and artificial intelligence (AI) skills. It aims to build technical fluency while emphasizing ethical reasoning and professional mentorship, equipping students for success in today’s technology-driven workforce.
Shetty, currently director of UIC’s Break Through Tech Chicago initiative, a national program focused on achieving gender equality in technology fields, will transition from her role to lead the transformative project. Under her leadership, Break Through Tech Chicago has empowered women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in tech, making her a fitting choice for spearheading the university’s Data + AI initiative, the university said.
“AI is transforming industries, and when guided by diverse talent, it can drive meaningful societal change,” Shetty said of the new program. “UIC is uniquely positioned through its scale, diverse disciplines and strong ties to Chicago’s organizations to prepare students for responsible leadership in this transformative era.”
The Data + AI program will include a foundational course developed in collaboration with industry leaders, followed by hands-on learning opportunities. Shetty’s vision for the program focuses on expanding access for students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in an AI-driven world.
UIC chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda emphasized Shetty’s expertise and the program’s potential. “The data science revolution, including artificial intelligence, calls us to provide state-of-the-art learning opportunities for UIC students,” UIC Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda said.
“The rapid advancement and widespread use of technology, especially in the field of applied data and AI, is having a profound impact on our lives. This transformation will inevitably lead to a shift in the skills needed to succeed in both academic and professional environments,” said Jessica Holberg, Google partnerships and outreach lead in Chicago.
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