FICO Expands AI And Analytics Program To 3 HBCUs To Empower Next Generation Of Data Scientists

FICO is partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to educate the next generation of data scientists.

According to a news release, the global analytic software company is bringing back its FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge for the second year. This will give students the opportunity to engage with real-world challenges in artificial intelligence(AI) and analytics, inspiring them to develop innovative solutions.

This year’s challenge will center on empowering students to combat payment transaction fraud by tasking them with developing a robust fraud detection model.

Students will be supported by Dr. Scott Zoldi, chief analytics officer at FICO, and his team of data scientists, who will also teach and mentor participants. Additionally, they will be given financial assistance and resources for internship opportunities.

The FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge will expand to the following educational institutions in Spring 2025: F. Drake State Community and Technical College, North Carolina Central University, and Fayetteville State University.Alabama A&M University will return as a participant.

“It’s very rewarding that schools are embracing the Analytics Challenge; the partnership with the faculty and student participants has helped grow the program tremendously since its launch,”  Dr. Zoldi explained in a news release. “To continue FICO’s goal of educating and empowering the next generation of data scientists, we are also giving the Analytic Challenge participants the opportunity to participate in summer internships in my organization. We look forward to continuing our work to diversify and expand the industry with the best and brightest.”

Siobahn Day Grady, Ph.D., assistant professor and program director of information sciences at the North Carolina Central University School of Library and Information Sciences, commented:

“My graduate students are excited about NCCU’s new AI partnership with FICO. Our students are eager for hands-on experience, working on a real-world AI problem with smart data scientists professionals that will help sharpen their skills for post-graduation career opportunities.”