AI for Impact Trip to the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
The AI for Impact program led by the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University is a hands-on combined course and co-op experience. Students interact with mentors, government, and non-profit partners for six months developing generative AI products to address public problems. This semester, students are working with professional advisors on problems including: Limited and inefficient communication infrastructure for The RIDE (MBTA’s Paratransit Services) hindering service uptake and delivery for users and resulting in fewer rides and rider confusion; complex and inaccessible Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) creating barriers for educators and families seeking student support; residents of Massachusetts facing difficulties in navigating and accessing the various state grants and loans offered, among others.
Last Friday, coops from the AI For Impact program at the Burnes Center for Social Change had the opportunity to visit the Executive Office of Technology Security and Services (EOTSS) located in downtown Boston. During this visit, they engaged with senior officials to unveil their solutions, which were crafted in response to challenges posed by state agencies as part of the InnovateMA collaboration with the Burnes Center for Social Change.
Collaborating closely with state agencies including the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Department of Transportation, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and EOTSS itself, these teams presented AI-powered projects aimed at benefiting Massachusetts’ residents. The collaboration with EOTSS underscored the potential positive impacts of these solutions on the Commonwealth, fostering discussions on the future integration of this technology to further serve its constituents.
Interested in learning more about Northeastern’s AI for Impact program and the projects we’re working on this semester? Visit https://burnes.northeastern.edu/ai-for-impact-coop/.
-Rachel Kahn