The Atlanta University Center Consortium Center for Excellence in Public and Government Service continues its A.T.I. Summer Leadership Training empowers HBCU students to become leaders in government service.
AUCC’s inaugural program is preparing for its third cohort of HBCU students interested in government and public service for 2026. AUCC’s CFE was established in 2023 through a $2M grant secured by Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) to fund a Center to train HBCU students for a wide range of public service careers. The Atlanta University Center Consortium Center for Excellence in Public Service is the first designed for HBCU students. This year, for the second consecutive summer, a groundbreaking 8-week training program with an unparalleled journey for scholars moved forward. Applications open on November 3, 2025, for the next cohort.
The program, an immersive blend of professional development and hands-on experience, included a transformative week in Washington, D.C., where participants were in the heart of American political and federal systems, interacting with nearly two dozen federal agencies.
Dr. Anika A. Evans, Program Manager for CFE, “This summer has been nothing short of transformative, informative, and exhilarating. Witnessing the dedication and passion of the A.T.I. Scholars has been truly heart-warming. These remarkable young leaders are not only committed to public service but also embody a higher standard of service and leadership.”
According to Dr. Evans, over this intensive program, students delved into a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip them with essential skills for the future. The training covered a broad spectrum of topics, including federal resume building and the foundations of American political systems. Programming also included ways to extend their lessons beyond the summer, developing podcasts on relevant political topics from a college student’s perspective. The program welcomed HBCU students from around the country and the Virgin Islands.
The Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) Data Science Initiative (DSI) has also partnered with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth to launch the 2025 Mastercard Data Challenge, a nationwide competition that empowers HBCU students to use data science for social good.
The challenge calls on student teams to analyze Mastercard’s Inclusive Growth Scoreâ„¢ (IGS) and public datasets to identify communities with low inclusive growth scores (45 or below) and develop data-driven, evidence-based strategies to strengthen those communities. The Inclusive Growth Score (IGS) provides local partners, policymakers, community leaders and impact investors with a clear, simple view of social and economic indicators at the neighborhood level. These results help them understand what’s working and what needs help.
Using the Inclusive Growth Score platform, teams will analyze data related to housing affordability, small business growth, health coverage, and early education enrollment to uncover patterns and design interventions. Proposed solutions may range from policy recommendations and workforce development programs to AI-powered digital tools that promote equitable growth.
Students will apply data science techniques — including statistical modeling, visualization, and predictive analytics — to uncover insights and propose solutions that promote economic equity, workforce growth, and community resilience.
Throughout the challenge, teams will participate in virtual workshops, mentorship sessions, and in-person pitch stops at partner HBCUs, including Alabama A&M University, Jackson State University, Fisk University. Upcoming stops include: Bowie State University(11/13), and Grambling State University(11/20). The competition will culminate in the Finalist Showcase and Awards Ceremony, held from December 4 to 6, 2025, at Mastercard’s Atlanta headquarters, where top teams will present their findings to corporate and community leaders. A total of $52,400 in cash prizes will be awarded, including a $15,000 grand prize for the first-place team.
