Two community learning opportunities hosted by The University of Baltimore's Center for AI Learning and Community-Engaged Innovation (CAILI) and the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology (BCIT) will focus on digital equity and artificial intelligence in ways to strengthen awareness for Baltimore City residents. Both events are free and open to city residents; registration is required. Details are listed below.
The upcoming events follow an Aug. 19 session from CAILI and BCIT called "AI in Everyday Life," an interactive community workshop designed to help Baltimore residents understand how AI is present in daily life and what it takes to make informed choices about whether, when, and how to use it.
On Wednesday, Aug. 26, BCIT will host the Digital Equity Ecosystem Forum, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Factory, 5 N. Calhoun St. Through facilitated discussions and collaborative working sessions, participants will explore how Baltimore's digital equity efforts should evolve in the age of AI. Their ideas will help shape a draft of the city's AI Equity Framework.
That work will continue during Digital Inclusion Week 2026, Oct. 4–10. On Tuesday, Oct. 6, BCIT will host the AI Equity Action Summit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hilda and Michael Bogomolny Room on the top floor of The University of Baltimore Student Center, 21 W. Mt. Royal Ave. The summit will bring cross-sector partners together to review priorities, strengthen collaboration, and help finalize the framework for AI Equity Action. It will also recognize four years of digital equity progress and partnership across the city.
Learn more and register for the Aug. 26 Digital Equity Ecosystem Forum.
Registration details for the AI Equity Action Summit will be available as of Sept. 1 at the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology website.
The "AI in Everyday Life" workshop on Aug. 19 presented key AI concepts using practical, everyday language. Through familiar examples, low-tech activities, and guided discussion, participants explored how AI generates answers, recommendations, predictions, and decisions, including why those responses can sometimes be inaccurate or biased. The workshop also provided concrete strategies for recognizing AI-enabled scams and misinformation, and how to verify information generated by AI sources. Protecting personal information when using digital tools was a top learning outcome.
"The workshop was not about convincing people to use AI," said Dr. Jessica A. Stansbury, founding director of CAILI. "We want to ensure that people in Baltimore have the knowledge to make informed choices, protect themselves, ask critical questions, and help shape how AI affects their lives and communities. That's true of all of the activities we're hosting with BCIT."
Designed with accessibility and older adults in mind, the initial workshop didn't require previous AI knowledge, a smartphone, or strong digital skills. Participants engaged through printed materials, response cards, facilitated discussion, and paper-based options, as well as an available technology demonstration. Questions and concerns were welcomed as important parts of the conversation.
Learn more about UBalt's Center for AI Learning and Community-Engaged Innovation.