The FAMU Cyber Policy Institute has been awarded a $5 million grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to expand its academic offerings, support student research, and deepen its community engagement in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital governance.
The funding comes as the institute positions itself to address growing demand for professionals skilled in both the technical and ethical dimensions of emerging technology. The grant will also directly support the institute’s cohort of AI student fellows, a pilot program that launched this past semester with 10 students from disciplines across the university. These fellows work on interdisciplinary technical and policy teams to develop AI-driven business solutions for partner organizations.
In addition to supporting hands-on learning, the grant will accelerate the development of new academic programs, including a 4+1 Bachelor of Science degree in cyber policy and two new certificate programs in cyber policy and AI. These initiatives are designed to equip students—especially those from backgrounds historically underrepresented in tech—to lead in fields where policy, ethics, and innovation intersect.
“This investment recognizes the critical need for interdisciplinary approaches to technology,” said Darryl Scriven, Ph.D., interim director of the institute. “We’re preparing students not just to understand how AI works, but how to guide its development responsibly.”
The new programs will complement FAMU’s existing Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Cybersecurity, extending the university’s leadership in tech education among historically Black colleges and universities.
The Hewlett Foundation, long known for its support of education, governance, and cyber policy initiatives, cited FAMU’s commitment to equitable and ethical technology as a key factor in the award.
“FAMU is building essential capacity in a field that will define the next decade of digital innovation,” said a representative from the foundation. “Their focus on inclusive, principled tech leadership aligns directly with our mission.”
The grant will also enable the institute to forge new partnerships with industry and government agencies, offering students direct pathways into careers in tech policy, AI ethics, and cybersecurity governance.