New partnership between VCU and AI Ready RVA aims to boost AI education, innovation and community impact

By Mike Porter and William Willis

Virginia Commonwealth University and AI Ready RVA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating AI literacy and community engagement, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advancing artificial intelligence education, research and innovation throughout the Greater Richmond region.

The agreement formalizes a shared commitment to enhancing teaching and learning, workforce readiness and societal impact through the responsible and creative use of AI technologies. Together, VCU and AI Ready RVA will explore opportunities for joint programming, talent development, research and community-based innovation, positioning Richmond as a model for inclusive and human-centered AI literacy.

Under the memorandum, VCU and AI Ready RVA will explore initiatives that advance learning, creativity and community engagement. Possible areas of collaboration include:

• Innovation and research – Joint exploration of emerging technologies, products and services that leverage AI for public good.
• Talent development – Programs to prepare students, faculty and working professionals for the future of work through applied learning, workshops and real-world AI experiences.
• Innovation and design – Co-creation of design-thinking workshops, pilot programs and prototypes that address real-world community and business challenges.
• Knowledge sharing – Hosting workshops, seminars and public events to expand awareness, understanding and responsible adoption of AI across sectors.

This collaboration directly supports VCU’s mission to advance discovery, creativity and innovation while serving as a catalyst for workforce and community development. By partnering with AI Ready RVA, VCU reinforces its role as a civic anchor and educational leader in preparing students and communities for the future shaped by AI.

“VCU is committed to shaping how Virginia and the nation learn and innovate with artificial intelligence,” said Beverly Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D., VCU interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Together with AI Ready RVA, we are empowering our students and faculty to imagine what’s possible to define an AI-powered future that advances learning, discovery, career opportunities and the public good.”

For AI Ready RVA, the collaboration marks a milestone in its mission to cultivate AI literacy in the Greater Richmond region through awareness, education, engagement and advocacy. The organization’s values — optimism, collaboration, enrichment, cultural relevance and responsibility — align closely with VCU’s dedication to inclusion, innovation and impact. Together, the partners aim to create a community where human creativity and AI technology work hand in hand to solve problems, inspire new ideas and expand opportunity for all.

“VCU has been an early champion in advancing AI literacy across disciplines,” said William Willis, chair of the board for AI Ready RVA. “Together, we will ensure that every student, educator and community member in Richmond has the tools and confidence to thrive in an AI-powered world. Our shared vision is simple: make Richmond the most AI-ready city in the world.”

VCU and AI Ready RVA have already worked together on initiatives such as the Generative AI Teaching Summit at the College of Humanities and Sciences, which brought together more than 100 faculty and staff to explore AI’s role in education. Future collaborations may include co-hosted workshops, internships and innovation challenges, including the R Prize, Richmond’s communitywide challenge to become the most AI-literate city in the world.

Through this MOU, both organizations affirm their dedication to advancing AI education and innovation responsibly and inclusively — while maintaining their independent missions and governance.