AI for Impact: Social Change Through Technology Fund

In the AI for Impact Co-op Program, students work full-time on experiential AI projects for social good. In this pioneering “product-based learning” program, managed by the Burnes Center for Social Change in partnership with the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, teams wield AI as a tool for transformative innovation, turning ideas into measurable impacts in collaboration with the communities they are serving and under the expert guidance of seasoned professionals.

Projects students have worked on include:

• Improve the ability of low-income families to apply for and receive federal broadband benefits. Partner: Jeanine Abrams and Fair Count.
• Support families to negotiate their student’s Individualized Education Plan. Partner: Innovate Public Schools.
• Improve constituent communications with the United States Congress. Partner: PopVox Foundation.

In Spring 2024, twelve AI for Impact students are working alongside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as part of InnovateMA, using generative AI to support state agencies on impactful projects that will improve the delivery of services and programs for Massachusetts residents.

The fund will be administered by the director of the Burnes Center or their designee, and the purpose of the fund is to support students co-ops in the AI for Impact: Social Change Through Technology program.