AI Accelerator Africa
In partnership with Codecademy
GET AHEAD. GET CONNECTED. GET PAID.
Your opportunity to on-ramp into the global community of professionals in data science and machine learning
The Black and Brilliant Advocacy Network is excited to announce our second AI Accelerator launch. After launching our first accelerator together with Codecademy in 2021, both organizations are teaming up again to bring the program to Africa and empower a new generation of tech talent in the region.
Codecademy is famous for connecting millions of learners to economic opportunity through its online interactive platform that offers coding classes.
The Black and Brilliant Advocacy Network believes the future of the economy will be driven by people who know how to use skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is important for more Black and Brown people to be included in these worlds. This program is your opportunity to on-ramp into the global community of professionals in data science and machine learning.
Our self-directed program fits in with busy schedules, and includes mentoring from industry expert coaches within our network. You’ll learn key skills in AI Ethics, User Experience/ Creative, the Business of AI, as well as Programming /Machine Learning /Data Science.
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AI Africa Curriculum >
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Accelerator Africa 2022 by
The Black and Brilliant Advocacy Network & Codecademy
This is a 10-Week Program (Remote Online)
Dates: 14th March 2022 through May 16th 2022
Online Platform: Zoom
Course Description:
At Black and Brilliant, we are fascinated by the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how it will impact the “future of work and jobs”. We have created an accelerated course in Artificial Intelligence, in partnership with Codecademy. AI is both a once in a generation opportunity, and a threat for Black and Brown communities. Now is the time to prepare a new generation of Black and Brown superstars for the world of AI.
We want to on-ramp people who have potential to be the next generation of AI Superstars – regardless of their backgrounds or educational attainment. This ranges from people without degrees to those with advanced degrees looking to change lanes. We believe in human potential. We believe people with aptitude and drive can achieve great things when given this kind of opportunity and support.
Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll work in interdisciplinary teams with industry experts coaching you to develop your skills and build data driven case studies. Unlike traditional distance and online learning models, our course enables real-time interactions with coaches selected for their world class industry expertise.
Why Did You Choose a Course on AI, Specifically?
AI is too important and too big to be ignored. When we say AI, we use the name liberally to also embrace specific disciplines in machine learning and data analytics. There will be jobs across the whole economy impacted by AI from new jobs in project management, law, analytics, strategy, creative roles, all the way through to jobs in systems and engineering. All jobs and industries will be impacted in some shape and form by AI.
What’s the Course Structure?
Four Core Elements:
- Self-Directed Study using Codecademy
- Reading and other learning resources suggested by coaches
- 1:1 sessions with coaches
- Small group discussions and panels
We have assembled a world class team of coaches with deep industry expertise to help our top Learners through the 10 weeks. The coaching element is central. Learners will get industry insights, network opportunities, and practical tips only seasoned practitioners can provide. We want to wrap our Learners with confidence and inspiration and support from industry leaders.
What You Will Get:
You will walk away after our 10-week long bootcamp more confident, more employable and industry “on-ramped”. For some this will be an on-ramp to the world of AI or machine learning or analytics, for others this will accelerate their rise in their existing industry and profession, and give them practical insights and contacts.
What You Will Learn:
Programming and Data Engineering:
- On-ramp to the critical skills and insights necessary for a career that involves Data Science/Machine Learning/Artificial intelligence. You’ll learn to analyze data, communicate your findings, and even draw predictions using machine learning
- Advanced Learners will be coached in Data Wrangling, Natural Language Processing, Foundations of Machine Learning: Supervised and Unsupervised, Foundations of Deep Learning, Communicating Data Science Findings, as well as work on Practical Projects.
Business of AI/Getting Started:
- Learn about the different business models and key players in AI. Coaches will guide you through advertising, eCommerce, and B2B
- You’ll also get insights about what it takes to succeed in key areas, such as Data Management, Product Management, Marketing, and learn how to get a job in these disciplines.
AI Ethics & Social Justice
- Learn how to better navigate the ethical and moral dangers of AI and capitalize on the opportunities. You’ll learn how to incorporate social justice into everything you do in AI.
- Key elements of this pillar include insights into handling Bias and Fairness, Making AI Accountable to users/citizens, Ensuring Transparency, Interpretability and Explainability of AI Systems, issues with Biased Training Sets, as well as Designing for Human-AI interaction, and issues around Privacy, Surveillance, Automation, Job loss, Labor trends, and other social impacts of AI, such as the Impact to Democracy and Civil rights
User Experience Design/Research/Creativity:
- Learn Design Essentials and Design Principles for Infographics, Data Visualization and what best in class design is.
- User Research, including Quantitative vs Qualitative Methods, Survey Design and Implementation, Planning and Conducting Interviews, and Analysis and Insights
- Design Concepting & Prototyping, Design Concept Development, Storyboarding, Prototyping
- Usability Research including Usability Test Plan, Goals and Metrics, and Usability Test Protocols
AI Coaches >
Application Form >
AI Learners >