UC hosts successful RAISE AI summit with high school outreach

The University of Cincinnati in March played host to its Revolutionizing AI through STEM Education summit.

The conference, created by UC Digital Technology Solutions with sponsorship and support from the AI Enablement Community of Practice, welcomed 200 students from local schools for a day of inspiration, robotics and cutting-edge AI exploration.

Due to overwhelming interest from schools across the region, UC added a second conference date to allow more schools to participate.

The summit provides students with hands‑on engagement in AI technologies, interactive workshops and direct access to university faculty and industry professionals. Through sessions focused on machine learning, responsible innovation, career pathways and emerging technologies, students gain meaningful exposure to the tools shaping the future of work, UC Vice President and Chief Digital Officer Bharath Prabakaran said.

This outreach supports Digital Technology Solutions' pillars of enablement and community impact. 

“The growing demand highlights the region’s commitment to expanding AI literacy, access and opportunity for students from all backgrounds,” he said.

This year’s conference welcomed a substantial group of both public and private high schools, including Aiken New Tech High School, Archbishop Moeller High School, Clark Montessori High School, Ethel M. Taylor Academy, Hughes STEM High School, Oyler School, Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School, Shroder High School, Walnut Hills High School, Winton Woods High School, Withrow University High School, Woodward Career Technical High School.

Participants and partners from UC and the broader community took part, including the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, the School of Information Technology from the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services and the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

“RAISE reflects UC’s mission to build accessible AI talent pipelines and strengthen regional workforce development,” said UC Associate Vice President for Integrated Data Engineering & Application Solutions Josette Riep. “By engaging students early, we are preparing the next generation of innovators to lead in an AI-driven world.”

The RAISE initiative aligns with the university’s broader commitment to responsible AI education, community partnership and accessible technology pathways. RAISE is an initiative funded by the AI Enablement Community of Practice Engagement, Ethics & Community Impact Committee.

“Throughout the day, students weren’t just learning about AI, they were envisioning their future,“ said Bleuzette Marshall, UC vice president for ethics, compliance & community impact.

The conference creates a space where curiosity meets opportunity and where young people can begin to see themselves as Bearcats, innovators and leaders of tomorrow, Marshall said.

“We look forward to growing this work – sponsoring and hosting events like the RAISE Summit, providing early exposure to career opportunities, and reaching even more high school students across our community to explore what’s next,” Marshall said.

Sponsors and partners included the University of Cincinnati (Digital Technology Solutions and 1819 Innovation Hub), AWS, Microsoft, U.S. Bank, Nexigen, and Cincy AI Catalyst (Ethics, Compliance & Community Impact). More information about the conference and related programming is available at ai.uc.edu.

Featured image at top: UC played host to students from area high schools for a summit on artificial intelligence. Photo/Provided