ThestorybeginsonthePLAINS.

IIIProposed partners

[Kevin to confirm: which partnerships are signed] NO PARTNER MARKS ARE SHOWN — THESE ARE PROPOSED, NOT SIGNED

• Center for Media, Entertainment and Sports at UCLA

  Provides students with resources and opportunities to prepare for increasingly complex industries.

• Department of Defense (DoD)

  Connects its own STEAM Engagement programs with external partners for historically underserved communities.

• Microsoft

  Supports the program through its Azure cloud computing platform, AI capabilities, and policy & philanthropic engagement programs.

• USC Shoah Foundation Institute (SFI)

  Shares its experience in managing and interpreting historical data through compelling storytelling.

• Annenberg School for Communication at USC

  Offers expertise in media and communication technologies.

• California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)

  Provides resources and expertise in workforce development.

• StoryFile

  Offers innovative tools for capturing and preserving oral histories.

IVProgram phases

HIGH LEVEL

1. PHASE 1

   Partnership Development

   Formalize agreements between all partners, outlining roles, responsibilities, and data sharing protocols.

2. PHASE 2

   Student Recruitment

   UCLA Anderson provides opportunities for its students through data science projects, internships, or certificate programs.

3. PHASE 3

   Workforce Development Project

   Students collaborate with Community Labs and DIR to build data science models for workforce development in media and entertainment.

4. PHASE 4

   Documentary Data Repository

   Students use NLP to extract information from provided documentaries and integrate it with the data repository.

5. PHASE 5

   AI-powered Connection Development

   Students leverage Microsoft Azure and Community Labs' platform to build models for identifying connections across historical and media content.

6. PHASE 6

   HBCU and MSI Integration

   Establish a framework for HBCUs and MSIs to integrate their data and student workforce using the Community Labs platform.

7. PHASE 7

   Pilot Program Execution

   Implement the program with initial partners, collecting data, building models, and refining functionalities.

8. PHASE 8

   Evaluation and Expansion

   Evaluate pilot program success and expand participation to HBCUs and MSIs, creating a sustainable ecosystem.

Please refer to Appendix A: Pilot Program Phases for more information on program implementation and timelines.

VProgram benefits

• Students: Gain valuable data science experience, academic credit, and contribute to social good. Additionally, learn more about and further develop innovative engagement models to share the proud history of marginalized communities.
• DakarLive: Develops a robust AI platform for workforce development and historical analysis, attracting new users and partners.
• HBCUs and MSIs: Empowers students with data science skills and expands access to the Community Labs platform.
• Media and Entertainment Industry: Benefits from data-driven insights into skills gaps and workforce trends.
• Historical and Cultural Institutions: Gain a platform to share and connect their data with a broader audience.

The UCLA Anderson School of Management can significantly benefit from partnering with Community Labs, enhancing student learning opportunities, and strengthening ties with other institutions including HBCUs and MSIs. The Center for Media, Entertainment and Sports will be able to drive economic development through job training, assist in cementing faculty legacies, and expand UCLA's community engagement impact. Students will be the first to build the new data models, AI-tools, machine learning functionality, and leverage help to develop the capabilities of the platform & program. They will be able to write blog posts, white papers, and get professional credit for the work that they'll be doing as well as access apprenticeships, internships, and leverage the employment pipelines that will be created. [Kevin to confirm: proposed Board of Advisors — named on his word] can serve on a programmatic Board of Advisors and position UCLA as a leader in data-driven social innovation and workforce development. Overall, UCLA Anderson can prepare students for their professional futures, contribute to the revitalization of marginalized communities, and make a lasting impact on society.

The Department of Defense STEM engagement programs can significantly benefit from partnering with Community Labs. By leveraging the platform and programmatic expertise, the DoD can strengthen STEM education pipelines, drive innovation and workforce development, secure a skilled workforce, and enhance its reputation within the target communities. General Gordon-Bray can further cement their legacies as pillars of marginalized communities by championing this program and serving on the Board of Advisors, guiding its direction and ensuring its long-term success. Making a tangible and lasting impact on the future of STEM education and workforce development will not only benefit the military but also contribute to the overall health and prosperity of the nation.

Microsoft can significantly benefit from this partnership by showcasing its innovative technologies to a wide audience. Through DakarLive, Microsoft can introduce its Azure platform, GitHub, and other AI-powered solutions to students, educators, and community leaders across various regions and institutions. The open-source nature of these tools ensures broad accessibility and encourages participation from a diverse range of stakeholders. Microsoft's Nonprofit / Philanthropies group can leverage this partnership to engage with institutions and aligned nonprofits, fostering collaboration and driving positive change. Additionally, Microsoft's policy division can contribute to the program by tying in aspects of education, research, and community engagement. By working with DakarLive, Microsoft can advance its partner-led approach, strengthen its reputation as a leader in technology and social impact, and drive meaningful outcomes for communities across the country.

VIProjected outcomes

• Student Development: Students gain valuable data science skills, industry experience, and opportunities for professional advancement.
• Historical Preservation: A comprehensive data repository is created for historical research and education. This repository can be further built through each new partner and the ingenuity of every student who adds to the tapestry of shared experiences & community history.
• Workforce Development: The platform provides insights into media and entertainment job markets and facilitates skill development. The long-term value is realized through collaborative pivots and extensions into connected industries (e.g., e-sports & simulations, economic development, healthcare, housing, etc.)
• Sustainable Partnership: A strong foundation is laid for long-term collaboration between Community Labs, UCLA Anderson, and all partners.
• Community Engagement: see Screenings & Q&A ↓

VIINext steps

• Define partnership agreements.
• Develop detailed project plans and timelines.
• Secure necessary funding and resources.
• Launch a successful pilot program and expand to include HBCUs and MSIs.

By working together, DakarLive, UCLA Anderson, and this broad range of partners can create a program that benefits students, researchers, businesses, and communities for generations to come.

AProposed pilot timeline

SEPT 2026 – FEB 2027 · APPENDIX A · PROPOSED · NOT A COMMITTED SCHEDULE

1. 1

   SEPTEMBER 2026

   Phase 1: Partnership Development

   • Formalize Agreements: Establish legal and operational agreements between Community Labs, UCLA Anderson, the DoD, and Microsoft. May potentially also include DIR, USC, SFI, and/or StoryFile.
   • Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly outline the contributions and expectations of each partner.
   • Secure Funding: Explore pilot funding opportunities from the DoD, NSF, and other sources.
2. 2

   SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026

   Phase 2: Student Recruitment and Training

   • UCLA Anderson Recruitment: Launch recruitment efforts for data science students interested in participating.
   • Training Workshops: Conduct training workshops for students on data science techniques, media analysis, and ethical data handling.
   • Project Assignments: Assign students to specific projects, such as workforce development models or data repository creation.
3. 3

   OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2026

   Phase 3: Data Collection and Preparation

   • Documentary Data Extraction: Students use natural language processing (NLP) and AI image recognition to extract information from the selected documentaries and photography collections.
   • Historical Data Integration: Collect data from museums, archives, and other sources relevant to the project.
   • Data Cleaning and Preparation: Ensure data quality and consistency for analysis.
4. 4

   OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026

   Phase 4: Model Development and Testing

   • Model Creation: Students develop data science models using Azure and Community Labs' platform.
   • Model Testing and Validation: Rigorously test and refine models to ensure accuracy and reliability.
   • Pilot Program Launch: Initiate the pilot program with selected HBCU or MSI to test the platform and processes.
5. 5

   NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2026

   Phase 5: Pilot Program Evaluation and Results

   • Data Analysis: Analyze pilot program data to assess outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
   • Outcome Measurement: Measure the impact on student learning, workforce development, and historical understanding.
   • Prepare Pilot Program Report: Document key findings and recommendations.
6. 6

   FEBRUARY 2027

   Phase 6: Black History Month Listening Series

   Screenings & Q&A ↓