The David Mykel Taylor Scholars Program, operated by AARI, is a pilot scholarship and talent pipeline designed to support high-potential students transitioning from Atlanta Public Schools to AUC institutions. This is not a traditional scholarship. It combines hardware ownership, technical training, and academic support to prepare students for real outcomes in technology, infrastructure, and AI.
Not just support - ownership. Every scholar gets tools and opportunities built for real outcomes.
Every scholar receives a complete hardware kit - no borrowing, no returning.
Scholarship funds go directly toward academic costs - restricted to legitimate educational expenses.
Scholars are placed in AARI's hands-on learning environment alongside mentors and real projects.
For students with founder potential, an optional track provides access to early-stage support.
This program is for Senior and Junior CS students at AUC institutions (Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University) who are ready to build, not just study.
The full Energy → Silicon → Infrastructure → Models stack. Scholars don't just learn to use AI. They learn to build and operate the systems that run it.
AARI is one of the only programs integrating quantum computing into its AI curriculum. Scholars explore quantum fundamentals using NVIDIA CUDA-Q, preparing them for the next frontier.
Scholars deploy real AI inference at the edge using NVIDIA Jetson devices. Computer vision, robotics control, and autonomous systems, on real hardware, not simulators.
The capstone project isn't a presentation. Scholars build a functioning "World Model", an integrated system that demonstrates command of the full stack from infrastructure to deployed AI. Real system. Real users. Real uptime.
The David Mykel Taylor Scholars Program prepares Senior and Junior CS students for solutions architecture and systems engineering roles, the highest-leverage positions in the modern tech industry. By the time a Scholar graduates, they've already done the job.
This is not open enrollment. The David Mykel Taylor Scholars Program is cohort-based and selective - built for students who are ready to commit to a different path.
Students identified through Atlanta Public Schools and partner educators
Committed to technical and academic growth at an HBCU
Not open enrollment - students are selected for each cohort
Immersive summer program with structured daily labs and real outcomes
Pilot cohort · Limited seats · Selection by partner educators
Every element of the program points toward measurable, real-world results.
Supporting students through enrollment and into their first year at AUC institutions
Linux, Python, and systems fundamentals before day one of college
Direct pathways to employer partners and tech internships
Select students gain the fundamentals to start and build a business
For a modest investment, sponsors help create a measurable, multi-year pipeline that replaces late-stage recruiting with early access to prepared talent.
Connect with talented students before they hit the open job market
Tracked outcomes: enrollment, technical skills, internship placement
Cohort model builds an annual, compounding talent pipeline
AARI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 41-2742893. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Secure payment via Stripe.
Reach out directly to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, cohort timing, or partnership with Atlanta Public Schools.