Upcoming 2026 Workshops and Fellowships Tied to Black in AI

All right, let's get into it. If you're trying to level up in AI and want to be around folks who look like you and understand your journey, Black in AI is where you need to be. Here's what's lined up for 2026 and how you can get plugged in.

Black in AI's Core Workshops and Programs

Black in AI throws annual workshops at NeurIPS (that big AI conference), but for 2026, they haven't dropped full details yet. They usually announce mid-year. Past workshops covered themes like AI regulation and fairness in generative AI, with panels, paper presentations, and networking. Keep an eye on their site or X for the 9th annual one, probably hitting in December 2026.

In the meantime, they got ongoing programs you should know about:

Emerging Leaders in AI (ELAI) Grad Prep Program

This is for Black undergrads or recent grads eyeing PhDs in AI. It was re-imagined in 2023 and running strong. You get workshops on statement writing, program picks, and interview prep. Applications open around spring or summer, and it's free. It breaks down barriers, trust. If you're an educator, tie this to your students. Start them young with prompts, and this could be their next step.

Upcoming 2026 Workshops and Fellowships

These are straight from the ecosystem. Some directly from Black in AI, others are collabs or inspired by the movement. Keep it moving and mark your calendars.

BASE Fellowship (Black in AI Safety and Ethics) – Spring 2026

Man, this one is tailor-made for building Black talent in AI alignment, governance, and security. It's a 12-13 week part-time remote gig starting April 2026 to July, with mentorship and projects. Fully paid with a stipend included. Apps are open now with a deadline probably early 2026. Perfect for educators like you to level up on ethical prompting and pass it to the kids. Apply here – they got the full scoop on the program.

Every.Black Virtual Tech Summit on AI – February 21, 2026

All online, so easy access. It's a day of talks on AI innovation for Black tech heads. Register on Eventbrite and expect sessions on tools like generative AI for creatives. Low-key entry for you to scout ideas for image prompts in your teaching. Boom. Register here – free or low-cost vibes.

Black Tech NOLA: AI Hackathon 2026 – March 26-27, 2026

Hosted by Southern University in Baton Rouge. It's for Black and Brown innovators building AI solutions tied to culture. Hands-on hacking, think prompting for apps or games. If you're near Texas, road trip it. Empower the youngins by sharing what you learn. Good to go. Register here – main site is blacktechnola.com for more info.

Black is Tech Conference 2026 – April 20-24, 2026

Multi-day with stages on AI reshaping the world, skills for careers. Four stages, tons of speakers. Great for networking. Location is TBD, but it's big energy for Black tech pros. Get tickets here – tickets start low, venue in Houston prob.

ICML 2026 Post-Conference Workshops – July 10-11, 2026

These hit after the main ICML conference. Black in AI often ties in or has folks present. The call for workshops is open, so watch for Black-focused ones on machine learning fairness. Check the call for workshops – main conf site icml.cc for overall deets.

AfroTech 2026 – November 2-6, 2026 in Houston, TX

This one is close to DFW. Massive with 40k+ attendees, 300+ speakers on AI and tech. Workshops on innovation and infinite impact. Definitely check for sessions on AI education for youth. Trust, it's worth the trip. Get your tickets – early bird tickets droppin' now.

AI Summit 2026 at CultureCon – April 21-23, 2026 in Madison, WI

Pre-con workshop on AI waves as cultural shifts. Hands-on networking and learning. Good for creative AI, like if you're transitioning from image prompts to app building. Check it out here – tickets via ti.to.

Your Next Move

Tech is moving fast, but that doesn't mean you have to be stressed about it. Pick one event. Just one. Register. Show up. That's the move.

And if you need help getting your AI skills tight before any of these hit, holla at me. We do workshops and one-on-one coaching right here at HiTek Tech. It's all good.