Student AI Literacy Ambassadors
Provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to deepen their AI literacy while developing leadership and peer education skills.
Students
Now - September 30
Student AI Literacy Ambassadors
ASCEND-AI is excited to announce the launch of our Student AI Literacy Ambassador Program. This initiative offers 10 Howard University undergraduate students the chance to deepen their AI literacy while building leadership and peer‑education skills. Applications are due by Wednesday, September 30!
1. Purpose of the Program
ASCEND-AI (Advancing Student and Collaborative Educator Networks for Digital AI Integration) is a four-year, $4 million initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The program is designed to build AI literacy capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), through faculty development, student programming, and inter-institutional collaboration.
The Student AI Literacy Ambassadors Program is the student-centered cornerstone of ASCEND-AI. Ambassadors are undergraduate learners who develop deep AI literacy through structured participation in the ASCEND-AI modules and extend that learning by engaging their peers, participating in outreach activities, and co-facilitating educational opportunities. The program is designed to cultivate a new generation of informed, critical, and empowered AI users who are equipped to lead within their disciplines, communities, and careers.
2. The Learning-Centered Nature of This Role
As an Ambassador, you are a learner first. Every activity you engage in, including peer support, workshop co-facilitation, outreach events, and community engagement, is an extension and application of your own AI literacy development. These activities deepen your learning by giving you opportunities to teach, explain, and apply what you have studied.
3. Stipend and Participant Support
Ambassadors receive a participant support stipend over the academic year.
4. Learning Activities and Expectations
Ambassadors are expected to engage fully with the ASCEND-AI curriculum and to extend their learning through peer-facing activities. All activities are structured as learning experiences.
A. Complete All Five ASCEND-AI Modules
Ambassadors are required to complete all modules of the ASCEND-AI curriculum:
Module 0: ASCEND-AI Overview
Module 1: AI Literacy & Fundamental Concepts
Module 2: Responsible AI Use & Ethical Foundations
Module 3: Detecting Misinformation, Bias & Hallucinations
Module 5: AI, Innovation & Stewardship
B. Peer Education and Outreach
As you progress through the modules, you will apply your learning by supporting the AI literacy development of your fellow students. These peer education activities are an integral part of your own educational journey:
Assist during ASCEND-AI workshops and learning sessions
Co-facilitate module discussions and collaborative learning activities
Participate in campus outreach events to promote AI literacy awareness
Serve as an informed peer voice on AI literacy within your student community
C. Program Participation
Attend all scheduled ASCEND-AI program sessions and required events
Participate in cohort meetings and community of practice activities
Complete ALL assignments, reflections, and assessments associated with each module
Maintain active and constructive engagement throughout both semesters
D. Fall Deliverables
Deliverable #1 — Ambassador Led Outreach Program
A brief, student led listening and outreach session focused on how AI is affecting students’ learning, daily life, and future planning. Ambassadors would host an informal conversation to gather real student perspectives on AI and surface insights that help shape ASCEND‑AI’s programming.
Deliverable #2 — Ambassador Led Research Presentation
Building off of Module 5, Ambassadors will present their Stewardship Innovation Proposal to the Howard University Faculty Learning Community in a session followed by Q&A.
Deliverable #3 — Career Competency Reflection Assignment
Students will complete a short reflection identifying the career competencies they developed through the ASCEND‑AI Ambassador experience.
5. Time Commitment
Ambassadors should expect to commit approximately 5 to 7 hours per week for program engagement [or learning activities]. This includes:
Module Completion | 2-3 hours per week for coursework |
Peer Education | 1-2 hours per week for peer-facing learning activities |
Program Events | 1-2 hours per week for cohort meetings and outreach |
6. Program Expectations & Community Standards
Ambassadors represent the ASCEND-AI program and Howard University to their peers, faculty, and the broader community. The following standards apply throughout your participation:
Engage with all program activities with honesty, integrity, and intellectual curiosity
Treat fellow students, faculty, and program staff with respect and professionalism
Maintain confidentiality regarding peer student interactions and program-related information where appropriate
Represent the program accurately and positively in all public-facing contexts
Adhere to Howard University's Student Code of Conduct and all applicable institutional policies
Communicate promptly and professionally with Project Director
Model responsible and ethical AI use consistent with the program's curriculum and values
7. Eligibility and Compliance Requirements
Because this program is federally funded, participation is subject to specific eligibility requirements. These requirements are non-negotiable and are verified through the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Howard University
In good academic standing (minimum 2.5 GPA)
Must not currently hold a compensated employment position on the ASCEND-AI grant project.
Must meet all eligibility requirements for federally funded student programs
Must be eligible to receive federally funded participant support stipends
Important | Participant Support Stipend Notice: The stipend provided through the ASCEND-AI Ambassador Program is classified as Participant Support under federal grant regulations (2 CFR 200.456). It is non-compensatory educational support provided to facilitate student learning and leadership development. This stipend does not constitute wages or compensation for services rendered, is not an employment contract, and does not establish an employer-employee relationship with Howard University. F-1 international students may participate without using on-campus employment eligibility, though standard IRS tax withholding rules for non-resident alien stipends still apply. |
Student AI Literacy Ambassadors
Provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to deepen their AI literacy while developing leadership and peer education skills.
Students
Now - September 30
Student AI Literacy Ambassadors
ASCEND-AI is excited to announce the launch of our Student AI Literacy Ambassador Program. This initiative offers 10 Howard University undergraduate students the chance to deepen their AI literacy while building leadership and peer‑education skills. Applications are due by Wednesday, September 30!
1. Purpose of the Program
ASCEND-AI (Advancing Student and Collaborative Educator Networks for Digital AI Integration) is a four-year, $4 million initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The program is designed to build AI literacy capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), through faculty development, student programming, and inter-institutional collaboration.
The Student AI Literacy Ambassadors Program is the student-centered cornerstone of ASCEND-AI. Ambassadors are undergraduate learners who develop deep AI literacy through structured participation in the ASCEND-AI modules and extend that learning by engaging their peers, participating in outreach activities, and co-facilitating educational opportunities. The program is designed to cultivate a new generation of informed, critical, and empowered AI users who are equipped to lead within their disciplines, communities, and careers.
2. The Learning-Centered Nature of This Role
As an Ambassador, you are a learner first. Every activity you engage in, including peer support, workshop co-facilitation, outreach events, and community engagement, is an extension and application of your own AI literacy development. These activities deepen your learning by giving you opportunities to teach, explain, and apply what you have studied.
3. Stipend and Participant Support
Ambassadors receive a participant support stipend over the academic year.
4. Learning Activities and Expectations
Ambassadors are expected to engage fully with the ASCEND-AI curriculum and to extend their learning through peer-facing activities. All activities are structured as learning experiences.
A. Complete All Five ASCEND-AI Modules
Ambassadors are required to complete all modules of the ASCEND-AI curriculum:
Module 0: ASCEND-AI Overview
Module 1: AI Literacy & Fundamental Concepts
Module 2: Responsible AI Use & Ethical Foundations
Module 3: Detecting Misinformation, Bias & Hallucinations
Module 5: AI, Innovation & Stewardship
B. Peer Education and Outreach
As you progress through the modules, you will apply your learning by supporting the AI literacy development of your fellow students. These peer education activities are an integral part of your own educational journey:
Assist during ASCEND-AI workshops and learning sessions
Co-facilitate module discussions and collaborative learning activities
Participate in campus outreach events to promote AI literacy awareness
Serve as an informed peer voice on AI literacy within your student community
C. Program Participation
Attend all scheduled ASCEND-AI program sessions and required events
Participate in cohort meetings and community of practice activities
Complete ALL assignments, reflections, and assessments associated with each module
Maintain active and constructive engagement throughout both semesters
D. Fall Deliverables
Deliverable #1 — Ambassador Led Outreach Program
A brief, student led listening and outreach session focused on how AI is affecting students’ learning, daily life, and future planning. Ambassadors would host an informal conversation to gather real student perspectives on AI and surface insights that help shape ASCEND‑AI’s programming.
Deliverable #2 — Ambassador Led Research Presentation
Building off of Module 5, Ambassadors will present their Stewardship Innovation Proposal to the Howard University Faculty Learning Community in a session followed by Q&A.
Deliverable #3 — Career Competency Reflection Assignment
Students will complete a short reflection identifying the career competencies they developed through the ASCEND‑AI Ambassador experience.
5. Time Commitment
Ambassadors should expect to commit approximately 5 to 7 hours per week for program engagement [or learning activities]. This includes:
Module Completion | 2-3 hours per week for coursework |
Peer Education | 1-2 hours per week for peer-facing learning activities |
Program Events | 1-2 hours per week for cohort meetings and outreach |
6. Program Expectations & Community Standards
Ambassadors represent the ASCEND-AI program and Howard University to their peers, faculty, and the broader community. The following standards apply throughout your participation:
Engage with all program activities with honesty, integrity, and intellectual curiosity
Treat fellow students, faculty, and program staff with respect and professionalism
Maintain confidentiality regarding peer student interactions and program-related information where appropriate
Represent the program accurately and positively in all public-facing contexts
Adhere to Howard University's Student Code of Conduct and all applicable institutional policies
Communicate promptly and professionally with Project Director
Model responsible and ethical AI use consistent with the program's curriculum and values
7. Eligibility and Compliance Requirements
Because this program is federally funded, participation is subject to specific eligibility requirements. These requirements are non-negotiable and are verified through the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Howard University
In good academic standing (minimum 2.5 GPA)
Must not currently hold a compensated employment position on the ASCEND-AI grant project.
Must meet all eligibility requirements for federally funded student programs
Must be eligible to receive federally funded participant support stipends
Important | Participant Support Stipend Notice: The stipend provided through the ASCEND-AI Ambassador Program is classified as Participant Support under federal grant regulations (2 CFR 200.456). It is non-compensatory educational support provided to facilitate student learning and leadership development. This stipend does not constitute wages or compensation for services rendered, is not an employment contract, and does not establish an employer-employee relationship with Howard University. F-1 international students may participate without using on-campus employment eligibility, though standard IRS tax withholding rules for non-resident alien stipends still apply. |