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UF Gulf Scholars

Rural AI Gulf Scholars Internship

Are you a UF undergraduate interested in the impacts of artificial intelligence on communities, especially Gulf communities?

Thanks to funding from UF Gulf Scholars, the Infrastructure for Communities, Ecology for Data (ICED) Hub at the College of Journalism and Communications is hosting the Rural x AI + Policy Fellowship where students can gain hands-on experience developing and implementing outreach programming related to this semester’s theme: Water & Data. Two (possibly three) fellows will be selected to participate in this fellowship program for the Spring 2025 semester.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for UF undergraduates to gain experience in work related to the social and environmental impacts of technology and policy.

Fellowship program benefits

Those fellows selected obtain:

  • Stipend of $1,200, awarded in three installments at the beginning, middle, and end of the fellowship.
  • Enhanced understanding of the social implications of artificial intelligence.
  • Hands-on experience in multiple modes of communication, as well as advocacy and educational outreach.
  • Portfolio projects from different kinds of media.
  • Experience translating research into policy impact.
  • Opportunity for class credit if desired

Program components

  • Digital content creation: The fellow will create social media and web content about issues at the intersection(s) of AI, water and data within the context of communities in FL and beyond.
  • Rural x AI 2 Workshop: fellows will assist with coordinating and implementing the second workshop on Rural x AI at the UF, which will include policymakers, advocates, technologists, scholars, and community members.
  • Rural x AI + Policy network stewardship: fellows will assist in the creation and stewardship of this network of communities, advocates, policymakers, technologists and scholars through the use of technology and participatory mechanisms to encourage community and continued dialogue.
  • Mentorship: fellows will be mentored by the ICED Hub.

Program expectations:

The Rural x AI + Policy Fellowship kicks off in late January 2025 and concludes in late April/early May 2025. Fellows are required to participate in all program activities which include:

  • Researching and identifying the major issues with artificial intelligence, water, and data including data centers and the possibilities of data use and collection for communities on the Gulf Coast.
  • Assisting with the planning and outreach related to the Rural x AI workshop.
  • Developing media for outreach and digital distribution.
  • Assisting with the launch and stewardship of the Rural x AI + Policy network.
  • Attending weekly meetings with the ICED team.  
  • Completing a final reflection of the fellowship and delivering a final presentation to the ICED team.

To receive the $1,200 stipend, fellows will be asked to dedicate an average of 6-10 hours per week to fellowship activities. Some weeks will be more time intensive, while others will be less so. Students will be able to complete the required hours around their class schedule.

Minimum qualifications

  • Ability to work 6-10 hours per week
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong communication skills – written, oral, mediated
  • Interest in societal impacts of technology
  • Interest in communities, community advocacy, and participatory governance
  • Interest in translating research into action

Preferred qualifications

  • Research experience 
  • Experience in content creation
  • Event planning experience
  • Participation in UF Gulf Scholars Medallion program (you should visit this site!)

Program eligibility

Second semester sophomore, junior, and senior University of Florida undergraduate students, from any major, with an interest in learning about societal impacts of artificial intelligence and putting knowledge into action, are eligible.

Selected fellows must be in good academic standing in accordance with the University’s policies and must be enrolled full-time at UF. Fellows must also comply with all University regulations, rules, and codes of conduct governing students on campus.

Deadline

Applications will be considered as they are received, however the final deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Application Submission

To submit your application, please use this form. You will need to submit a cover letter or letter of interest, and a resume. You may also upload any examples of your previous work, including written, multimedia, and other portfolio materials.