Robert F. Smith brings AI innovation to Morehouse and Spelman
*God bless him, he’s doing it again. Billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith is launching a major generative AI initiative at two of Atlanta’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Morehouse College and Spelman College. Known for paying off $40 million in student debt for Morehouse’s 2019 graduating class, Smith is now focused on helping Black students thrive in the future of artificial intelligence.
Through his company Stats Perform, a Vista Equity Partners portfolio firm specializing in AI-driven sports analytics, Smith introduced the new AI-focused curricula in early 2025.
He announced plans to expand the program during the 2025 ForbesBLK Summit, where he urged the community to embrace and lead in this emerging field.
Hands-on AI courses to build tech skills at HBCUs
The programs will equip students with tools to master generative AI, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making.
Students will engage in real-world applications like ethical AI development and AI for sports and business analytics.
Spelman and Morehouse are the first schools in Atlanta’s AUC consortium to launch the courses, with expansion planned for other member schools.
Hackathons, group projects, and inclusive innovation events will help students gain hands-on experience with large language models and other AI tools.
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Closing the racial tech and wealth gaps through education
Smith said he believes the rise of generative AI could either deepen or shrink the racial wealth gap, depending on how Black communities engage with the technology.
In a LinkedIn post, he wrote that the new HBCU courses are designed to prepare students to thrive—not just survive—in the AI economy.
At the ForbesBLK Summit, Smith emphasized urgency:
“You have to understand and embrace this technology. And it’s up to people who have unique skills, capabilities. And I hope more of our community who has that actually comes and delivers platforms and opportunity.”
Vista Equity and Stats Perform driving inclusive AI programs
The initiative is powered by Stats Perform’s AI expertise and Vista Equity’s support for inclusive innovation.
Vista is also backing hackathons and entrepreneurship challenges to connect HBCU students with real tech industry leaders.
Smith believes HBCUs are a key part of building a more diverse AI workforce.
“This is about fueling the bus for the next generation,” he said in another social media post.
Why this generative AI initiative matters right now
AI is projected to add trillions of dollars to the global economy, but only 7-8% of tech roles are currently held by Black professionals.
With African Americans making up 13% of the U.S. population, Smith sees a critical gap that must be closed through early education and access.
Some universities are cautious about AI adoption, citing academic concerns.
But Smith’s approach combines philanthropy and business experience to empower students and reshape opportunities.
Other HBCU tech programs are rising alongside Smith’s efforts
Smith’s initiative is part of a growing wave of AI and tech programs at HBCUs across the country.
In 2025, schools like North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central University launched programs focused on AI ethics, innovation, and workforce training.
Corporate giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google.org are also investing in coding academies, entrepreneurship programs, and AI hubs at HBCUs.
These efforts aim to uncover and support Black talent in tech from college to career.
Top AI and STEM programs at HBCUs to know
- IAIER at NCCU: $1M Google.org grant funds research and national HBCU AI training summits.
- BS in AI at NC A&T: New undergraduate degree prepares students for machine learning careers.
- AIHUB@CAU: Clark Atlanta leads regional AI education expansion with NSF support.
- HBCU C2: Apple’s coding and creativity program teaches app development and Swift programming.
- HBCU Founders Initiative: Helps early-stage student startups scale with tech mentorship and funding.
Why this story matters for the future of Black tech talent
Smith’s AI initiative isn’t just about coding—it’s about economic justice and representation.
Generative AI will impact nearly every career field, and students at HBCUs deserve a seat at the table.
By combining education, industry, and philanthropy, Smith is laying a blueprint for how institutions can respond to the challenges of AI.
It’s a movement designed not just to catch up with the future—but to lead it.
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