The Rural AI Solutions and Engagement (RAISE) project is a collaboration among the University of Alaska Anchorage, Salisbury University, and Valdosta State University. These institutions, serving rural regions in Alaska, Maryland, and Georgia, respectively, aim to build sustainable and strategic partnerships centered on Artificial Intelligence (AI) with industry, non-profit, indigenous, and government stakeholders in their areas. Rural communities face unique challenges such as limited technological infrastructure, educational resources, and access to rapidly evolving technologies like AI. RAISE seeks to address these challenges by enhancing institutional capacity to collaborate with communities, strengthen research capabilities, and develop innovative AI solutions to rural-specific problems.

The project’s broad goals are to build capacity in four key areas:

1. forming partnerships,

2. advancing research administration,

3. fostering research development, and

4. cultivating research leadership.

By leveraging these capacities, each institution will utilize AI to address critical needs in agriculture, energy, and education, providing practical solutions tailored to the unique demands of their communities.

Each university brings unique strategies to the project. The University of Alaska Anchorage will establish an Alaska AI Solutions Consortium, integrating existing AI efforts, gathering community feedback, and advancing research through a mini-grant program. Valdosta State University will launch a Regional Partnership Incubator in South Georgia to develop a partner relationship management system, strengthen regional connections, and explore AI-driven solutions. Salisbury University will focus on creating a partnership inventory and research specialization for the Delmarva Peninsula’s rural areas, feeding into “AI for ALL” workshops and incentivizing faculty participation in use-inspired AI research.

Beyond these localized efforts, the cohort will collaborate to share expertise, lessons learned, and perspectives on the specific innovation needs of rural communities. As Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), they will also focus on increasing access to technological advancements for underrepresented populations, boosting the regional workforce and fostering equitable opportunities in the field of AI.

By addressing pressing rural challenges and advancing research and partnerships, the RAISE project contributes to building a foundation for sustainable innovation. This initiative aligns with the National Science Foundation’s commitment to intellectual merit and broader impacts, providing a model for inclusive and community-focused AI research and application.