Summer Infrastructure Academy at Kidd's Facility | June 2026 Activation

Train AI Producers,
Not Consumers

AARI scholars learn the physical and operational foundations underneath AI: data center fundamentals, networking, Linux, edge computing, robotics, and infrastructure operations.

Scholars earn equipment, scholarship support, certifications, and leadership roles by learning, building real systems, and mentoring APS students in STEM and robotics.

Become a Partner Scholar-to-Mentor Fellowship
The Operating Model

Build. Teach. Earn.

Scholars are not passive beneficiaries. They earn support by learning, building, and teaching.

Learn

Data center fundamentals, networking, Linux, edge computing, robotics, and AI infrastructure literacy.

Build

Real labs, real systems, documented projects, operator-level responsibility. Not simulations.

Teach

Scholars mentor APS students in STEM fundamentals, beginner robotics, coding, and intro AI concepts.

Earn

Equipment ownership, scholarship support, industry certifications, internship priority, and leadership roles inside AARI.

The Pipeline

APS Youth
K-12 Students
→
AARI Scholars
Build & Mentor
→
AUC + Workforce
Internships & Careers
June 2026 | Interim Activation Site

Summer Infrastructure Academy
at Kidd's Facility

100,000 sq ft interim partner site. Two-track curriculum running concurrently June through August 2026.

ROBOKONG brings an existing pipeline of APS students already engaged in robotics. That student population feeds directly into the scholar-to-mentor model as the mentee population. Kidd's Facility is AARI's interim activation site for Summer 2026. The permanent campus plan is centered on the Atlanta Applied Robotics Campus at Thomasville Heights, with a planned August 2026 ribbon-cutting.

Track 1: Infrastructure Build and Operations

AUC scholars. Hands-on data center and systems operations at scale.

Track 2: Youth STEM and Robotics Mentoring

Scholars teach APS students on site. ROBOKONG robotics pipeline as the mentee population.

100K
sq ft facility
2
Curriculum tracks
June 2026
Activation date
ROBOKONG Partnership
Existing APS robotics student pipeline on site
August 2026 | Planned Permanent Campus

Atlanta Applied Robotics Campus

Thomasville Heights | Southeast Atlanta

AARI's permanent campus plan is centered on the former Thomasville Heights Elementary School parcel along McDonough Boulevard in Southeast Atlanta. The site sits inside the boundaries of the city-adopted 2023 Thomasville Heights Neighborhood Plan and aligns directly with Mayor Andre Dickens' affordability, workforce, and community redevelopment agenda.

The broader redevelopment ecosystem includes the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, APD Urban Planning, the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Housing, Atlanta Public Schools, and Thomasville Heights residents. AARI's campus model places applied robotics, edge AI, infrastructure training, and youth workforce development inside an active community-led equity redevelopment, roughly three miles from the AUC institutions.

Planned Campus Capabilities

ROBOKONG robotics and EV programs
3D printing farm and micro-manufacturing environment
Simulation and video game lab
Aquaponics laboratory for sensor automation
Three outdoor tracks: electric go-karts, e-bikes, RC systems for telemetry and edge inference testing
Flexible space for training and partner activations

Redevelopment Context

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta · APD Urban Planning · City of Atlanta · Atlanta Housing · Atlanta Public Schools · Thomasville Heights Residents

Aug 2026
Planned Ribbon-Cutting
Mayor Dickens
Ribbon-Cutting Window
Thomasville Heights
Southeast Atlanta Campus
~3 Miles from AUC
Inside 2023 Neighborhood Plan Boundary

Former Thomasville Heights Elementary

McDonough Blvd · SE Atlanta

Aerial photography pending campus announcement

Fall 2026

First full corporate use case testing cohort launches at the permanent campus

501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit

Support the Future of AI Education

AARI is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible and directly funds hands-on AI and robotics training for Veterans, HBCU students, and underserved youth in Atlanta.

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EIN: 41-2742893

Donations & Matching

Legal Name

Atlanta AI & Robotics Initiative Inc.

EIN (Tax ID)

41-2742893

Atlanta AI & Robotics Initiative Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN 41-2742893 is available for employer matching programs and donor tax records.

Employer Match Eligible
Tax-Deductible
Receipt Provided

Why This Model Matters

Each outcome is tied to a concrete mechanism, not a slogan.

Workforce Development

Scholars graduate with operator-level infrastructure experience before their first job application. Real systems. Real uptime.

Technical Literacy

From power systems to deployed models, scholars understand the full AI stack. Not consumers of tools. Builders of systems.

Near-Peer Mentorship

College scholars teaching high school students is one of the most effective models in education. AARI builds it into the program structure.

Leadership Development

Scholars who complete the full arc earn leadership roles inside AARI. The program creates the next generation of instructors and operators.

Real Infrastructure Exposure

100,000 sq ft of hands-on lab space at the Kidd partnership site. Scholars work on actual systems, not toy environments.

Atlanta Ecosystem Strategy

APS to AUC to workforce. Every part of the pipeline operates inside Atlanta. The city builds the talent it needs.

About AARI
The Infrastructure-First Approach

Atlanta AI & Robotics Initiative (AARI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We train AI producers, not consumers. Scholars learn the physical and operational foundations underneath AI: data center fundamentals, networking, Linux, edge computing, robotics, and AI infrastructure literacy.

The pipeline is APS youth to AARI scholars to AUC and internships and workforce. Scholars reinforce mastery by mentoring APS students in STEM and robotics. They earn equipment, scholarship support, certifications, and leadership roles by learning, building real systems, and teaching younger students.

We teach the full AI stack from the ground up:

Energy → Silicon → Infrastructure → Models → Applications → Quantum

Every layer is built on the one below it. Nothing is learned in a vacuum.

Our first cohort at Morehouse College enrolled 40 students. The first AARI graduate landed a $115,000 infrastructure role. The model works. Now we scale it.

Bare Metal
Edge Computing
Energy to App
Future-Facing Skills
Student working on server rack
Group photo in garage lab
Students collaborating at table

Our Programs

Applied learning experiences bridging the gap between theory and reality.

AI and Computing Foundations

Students gain hands-on experience with computing systems, networking, and AI deployment through supervised lab-based projects.

Robotics & Vision

Building autonomous systems. From soldering circuits to programming computer vision for real-time navigation.

Digital Systems and Career Readiness

Students and veterans learn foundational computing, security, and systems concepts that support college readiness, certifications, internships, and entry-level technical careers.

Our Curriculum

Energy to App: How We Teach AI

We teach students how AI systems work from the underlying computing environment through real-world applications, helping them understand both concepts and practice.

AARI students learn AI from the ground up, understanding the full physical and digital stack from power systems and silicon to deployed quantum-ready applications.

Layer 1

Energy

Power systems, efficiency, data center fundamentals

Layer 2

Chips

GPU architecture, edge computing, hardware acceleration

Layer 3

Infrastructure

Linux, networking, Kubernetes, cloud systems

Layer 4

Models

Machine learning, training, fine-tuning, deployment

Layer 5

Applications

Real-world AI products, robotics, automation, the capstone of the pipeline

Layer 6

Quantum

NVIDIA CUDA-Q

Quantum computing foundations using NVIDIA CUDA-Q, the frontier of compute

The robot isn't the goal. It's proof the pipeline works. Our students don't just use AI tools. They understand and build the systems that power them, from the first watt to the final deployed model.

Infrastructure Fellows Program

The AARI Pathway

Four 8-week levels focused on hands-on learning, technical confidence, and career readiness. By graduation, Fellows have completed practical projects, worked in teams, and built real-world technical experience.

Track A: Infrastructure + Cloud Track B: AI Systems + MLOps Track C: Robotics + Edge AI
0

Infrastructure Literacy (8 Weeks)

The Foundation

Linux, networking, security fundamentals, storage, and compute. The vocabulary of the physical layer.

Linux CLI TCP/IP Networking Security Basics Storage Architecture
1

Systems in Motion (8 Weeks)

The Stack

Virtualization, containers, Kubernetes, and observability. Systems that actually run.

Docker / Containers Kubernetes OpenShift Observability
2

Applied AI Systems (8 Weeks)

The Intelligence Layer

Inference pipelines, model deployment, and MLOps on real hardware. NVIDIA Jetson edge AI and GPU clusters.

Inference Pipelines MLOps NVIDIA Jetson Model Deployment
3

Capstone (8 Weeks)

Capstone Project and Public Demonstration

Fellows complete a capstone project that demonstrates technical learning, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through a public presentation and portfolio-ready work.

Production Systems Live Uptime SLA Public Demo Employer Showcase
32
Weeks Total
500+
Hands-On Hours
3
Career Tracks
$115K
First Graduate Salary

AARI Graduate Profile

Students who complete our program gain hands-on technical skills, project experience, and greater readiness for college, certifications, internships, and entry-level careers.

Technical Competencies

  • Use computing and networking tools in supervised lab environments
  • Build and test AI and robotics projects
  • Learn secure systems and software practices
  • Design and build robotics systems with computer vision
  • Document and present technical work clearly

Professional Readiness

  • Collaborate effectively in team-based projects
  • Document technical solutions and system architectures
  • Present technical concepts to non-technical audiences
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure issues
  • Adapt to emerging technologies and frameworks

Industry Certifications

CompTIA Security+, AWS, Docker, and Kubernetes credentials

Career Placement

Pathways to internships, apprenticeships, college programs, certifications, and technical careers

Higher Education

Prepared for college pathways in computer science, engineering, robotics, and related technical fields

The AARI Difference

Hands-On Learning That Builds Confidence

AARI Fellows complete hands-on projects, build portfolio-ready work, and graduate with practical experience that supports college and career readiness.

Other Programs

Teach theory. Build toy projects. Graduate students who can describe systems they've never run.

AARI Fellows

Complete hands-on projects, build portfolio-ready work, and graduate with practical experience that supports college and career readiness.

The Outcome

80% of CS graduates don't feel ready for IT work. AARI graduates already are.

Real Outcomes

Proof Points

This isn't a theory. It's a working model with measurable results.

$115K

First Graduate Placed

Our first AARI graduate landed a $115,000 infrastructure role before most of their peers had even started job searching.

40

First Cohort: Morehouse

Our inaugural cohort at Morehouse College enrolled 40 students. The model works. Now we scale it.

80%

The Gap We Close

80% of CS graduates report they don't feel ready for real IT work. AARI graduates have already done the work. The gap is closed on day one.

Academic Leadership

World-Class Educators

AARI's academic advisors bring together HBCU roots, elite research credentials, and a shared belief that representation in STEM changes the world.

CB

Dr. Carlotta Berry, PhD

#NoireSTEMinist · Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

A transformational force in STEM education and diversity, Dr. Berry brings both academic rigor and grassroots passion to AARI's mission. Spelman College and Georgia Tech alumna.

IEEE Teaching Award Forbes 50 Over 50 SWE Distinguished Educator Spelman & Georgia Tech Alumna
DJ

Dr. Dwayne Joseph, PhD

Morehouse College · Dual-Degree Engineering Coordinator

Dr. Joseph coordinates Morehouse College's Dual-Degree Engineering Program, bridging HBCU excellence with top-tier engineering institutions. Physics expertise rooted at FAMU.

Morehouse College Dual-Degree Engineering Physics / FAMU
Corporate Partnerships

Our Industry Partners

AARI partners with enterprise technology leaders to ensure our curriculum reflects the real world our graduates will enter.

Red Hat

Red Hat

Curriculum Sponsor

OpenShift, OpenStack, and enterprise Linux, the backbone of our systems curriculum.

Microsoft

Microsoft

Partnership in Active Development

Cloud architecture and Azure ecosystem integration. Active development.

QTS Data Centers

QTS Data Centers

Pilot Partner | Summer 2026 POC

90-day use case engagement for Summer 2026. Anchor conversion path following the August ribbon-cutting.

NVIDIA

NVIDIA

GPU Grants · CUDA-Q

GPU hardware grants and CUDA-Q quantum computing curriculum powering our AI and quantum track.

ACCEPTED · 2026-27 COHORT

AWS | AWS-MLU 2026-27 Transformation Alliance

Accepted into the AWS Machine Learning University 2026-27 Transformation Alliance cohort, a nationally competitive program recognizing organizations redefining how AI education is delivered.

Mentor Network

Coming Soon

AARI is developing a partnership with NSBE Atlanta Professionals as the mentor backbone of the Summer 2026 cohort. Industry mentors from the chapter would provide one-on-one guidance to AUC scholars and APS apprentices through the program.

Partnership announcement pending.

5-Year Strategic Vision

From Atlanta to the World

We prove the model here. Then we scale it everywhere.

1

Phase 1

Current · Atlanta Pilot

Two-site 2026 launch: Summer cohort activates at Kidd's Facility in June as the interim site. Atlanta Applied Robotics Campus at Thomasville Heights opens in August. Fall 2026 corporate use case cohort launches at the permanent campus.

June 2026: Summer cohort at Kidd's (interim)
Aug 2026: Thomasville Campus planned opening
Fall 2026: First corporate use case cohort
2

Phase 2

2026-2027 · 10 HBCUs

Expand to 10 HBCUs across the Southeast. Train the trainers. Reach 500 students per year. Build the national network.

10 HBCU partners
500 students/year
Train-the-trainers program
3

Phase 3

2028+ · Global Deployment

African deployment with solar-powered data centers. Building AI sovereignty on the continent where computing's next billion users live.

African deployment
Solar-powered data centers
AI sovereignty mission
Results

The Model Works

This is not a theory. It is a working model with documented results.

$115K

First Graduate Placed

Our first AARI graduate landed a $115,000 infrastructure role before most peers had started job searching.

40

First Cohort: Morehouse

Inaugural cohort at Morehouse College enrolled 40 students. The model is proven. Now we scale it.

AWS

AWS-MLU 2026-27 Alliance

Accepted into the AWS Machine Learning University 2026-27 Transformation Alliance cohort, a nationally competitive recognition.

How Your Donation Works

Every dollar goes directly to empowering students with real-world tech skills.

$100

20 GPU compute hours for a student project

$1,500

One student's complete hardware kit

Linux laptop, edge device, monitor, storage & peripherals - theirs to keep

Scholarship
Funds

Support tuition, books, and fees for AUC-bound scholars

Program
Funds

Power the 10-week summer internship for David Mykel Taylor Scholars

David Mykel Taylor Scholars Program

A pilot scholarship and talent pipeline supporting high-potential APS students on their path to AUC institutions. Hardware ownership + technical training + academic support.

Learn More
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Hardware Wishlist

Help us build the AARI Systems Lab. We accept new and gently used enterprise equipment.

NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPUs

8 of 20 donated

Dell PowerEdge Servers

2 of 5 donated

10GbE Network Switches

1 of 3 donated

UPS Battery Backups

0 of 4 donated

NVMe SSDs 2TB

12 of 30 donated

Have equipment to donate?

Contact Us to Donate
Partners & Sponsors

Who's Building This With Us

Corporate sponsors, curriculum partners, and equipment contributors.

Silver Partner | $25,000+
Cisco
Confirmed
Curriculum & Technology Partners
Red Hat
Curriculum Sponsor
NVIDIA
GPU Grants · CUDA-Q
QTS Data Centers
Data Center Partner
Year One Target: $2.6M

Corporate sponsorship and apprenticeship revenue. Conservative target. Stacks with grant funding, not in place of it.

Sponsorship Tiers Now Open

AARI is actively building its sponsor roster for Summer 2026 through the Atlanta Applied Robotics Campus ribbon-cutting and beyond. Founding Anchor, Program Sponsor, Pilot Partner, and Summer Apprenticeship tiers available.

View Sponsorship Tiers

Support Our Mission

Every donation powers student access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure. $1,500 sponsors one student's complete hardware kit. Scholarship funds cover tuition, books, and fees. Program funds support our 10-week summer internship.

One-time Make it monthly

$250 powers 50 hours of GPU compute time for student projects - or contribute $1,500 for a full student hardware kit

Does your employer match gifts? Contact us for matching gift info.

Contact Us Donate Hardware

AARI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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