Contact:
Destiny Monegro
(202) 894-3876
Kofi Nyarko
BALTIMORE, MD – The Pallas Foundation is pleased to renew a $20,000 scholarship program for students at Morgan State University’s (MSU) Center for Equitable AI & Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS). This initiative provides full tuition to two students, supporting the development of emerging leaders in responsible and sustainable artificial intelligence.
The scholarship, named in honor of Adm. Mike Mullen, former Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and a key advocate for leadership diversity, will be awarded to two exceptional students: Justice Thomson, a Computer Science major, and Capri Shorter, a Philosophy major. Both students have expressed their deep gratitude for the scholarship and its impact on their academic and professional aspirations.
Sue Gordon, President of the Pallas Foundation’s Board of Directors, shared her enthusiasm for the program: “We are proud to support Justice and Capri as they embark on their academic journeys at the forefront of equitable AI. Their passion and commitment reflect the very essence of what this scholarship represents—empowering future leaders who will shape a more just and innovative world. We congratulate them and look forward to the remarkable contributions they will undoubtedly make.”
Capri Shorter, one of the recipients, shared her thoughts on the scholarship’s significance: “As a recipient of this scholarship, I will achieve a B.A. in Philosophy from Morgan State University by Fall '25. This scholarship provides invaluable assistance as I pursue my academic and professional goals, particularly in preparing for a career at the intersection of ethics and technology. Following graduation, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Master of Law & Technology degree. With a strong foundation in technical project management, I am eager to contribute to the delivery of ethical and compliant high-value solutions in AI.”
The scholarship program is an extension of the Mullen Scholarship Initiative, created to honor Adm. Mullen’s legacy of mentorship and his commitment to promoting diversity at the highest levels of leadership. This year’s recipients were selected from among students who participated in CEAMLS’s Summer AI Research Institute. These students were asked to submit video essays on the relationship between AI and cybersecurity, with a focus on how AI can strengthen national defense. Twelve finalists were reviewed by a committee of CEAMLS staff and faculty, and two winners were ultimately chosen.
Kofi Nyarko, Director of CEAMLS, emphasized the importance of the scholarship: “This year’s recipients of the Pallas Foundation Scholarships have demonstrated exceptional insight into the critical role that equitable AI will play in shaping the future of national security and defense. Their work not only reflects the technical rigor of the MSU Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning System’s Summer AI Research Institute, but also aligns with our mission to foster leadership that is as inclusive as it is innovative. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and to seeing how they will contribute to a more just and secure world.”
In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients are invited to participate in leadership and professional development events coordinated by the Pallas Foundation.
Students interested in applying for scholarships at Morgan State University are encouraged to visit https://www.morgan.edu/finaid/scholarships for more information.
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About the Pallas Foundation
The Pallas Foundation is dedicated to fostering the education and professional development of emerging leaders from underrepresented groups in global and national security.
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