Public Interest Technology Workforce Development – CUNY IT Conference Presentation

PIT@CUNY: Advancing Public Interest Technology Through Upskilling, Data Collaboration and Community Tech Apprenticeships (Collaborating with AI for Teaching and Learning)

Public Interest Technology (PIT) is an emerging field focused on the development of technology that promotes social good, sustainability and equity. PIT approaches are being applied to AI, machine learning, disaster prevention, data science and cybersecurity, with a mission to address societal challenges. CUNY, with its 25 campuses across New York City, is at the forefront of advancing these technologies in civic engagement, education and economic growth. PIT@CUNY is dedicated to integrating social justice into the design and deployment of technology, ensuring diverse access and equitable use of tech tools. This mission is driven by university-community and university-industry partnerships, which are vital to fostering innovation and systemic change.

The CUNY PIT Lab, as part of PIT@CUNY, received FY 2024 funding from the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline to support two key initiatives. First, the development of experiential learning opportunities through paid apprenticeships with BetaNYC, designed to create pathways for CUNY students into PIT careers. Second, the establishment of the CUNY PIT Lab as a regional hub, promoting PIT to serve the diverse needs of New York City communities, in alignment with CUNY’s mission of advancing upward mobility for all New Yorkers.

Speakers:

• Joshua Barnes, Administrative Research Coordinator, Office of Research, CUNY Central Office
• Effie MacLachlan, Director of Grants & Research Programs, Office of Research, CUNY Central Office
• Kathleen Cumiskey, Professor, Psychology, College of Staten Island
• Brendan Collins, Executive Director, New York City Tech Talent Pipeline
• Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director, BetaNYC
• Jazzy Smith, Civic Innovation Fellowship Director, BetaNYC
• Anthoni Garcia, Lab Coordinator, CUNY PIT Lab, CUNY