[ONLINE] AI Education at Community Colleges: The State of Play and Policy Needs

A recent Fast Company headline prompted, “Want a job in AI? Start at your local community college.” Federal agencies such as the U.S. National Science Foundation, Big Tech companies, and grassroots efforts led by college faculty and leaders have significantly expanded artificial intelligence education across the country at a time when students seek AI skills. As a result, AI offerings at community colleges now include immersive K–12 programs, certificates, associate’s degrees, and even bachelor’s degrees in nearly half of all states.

Earlier this year, with funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium was established to scale and maximize the quality of community college AI education and workforce training. With their diverse student body, affordability, and workforce orientation, community colleges are well positioned to meet upskilling needs around AI and to help ensure that the tech workforce of tomorrow more accurately resembles America than Silicon Valley does today. 

As policymakers, employers, and colleges seek to advance AI literacy and skill attainment, important questions have emerged:

• What exactly is the state of play of AI education and workforce development at community colleges?
• How are employers investing in AI education at community colleges, and why?
• What do students in community college AI programs need to succeed in school and work?
• How can federal and state policies ensure access and quality of AI programs?

Hear answers from community colleges, employers, sector leadership groups, and students themselves during an interactive webinar organized by New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy Initiative. Can’t join us, but interested in learning more? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the recording and related work.

Introductions from Mary Alice McCarthy, Senior Director, Center on Education and Labor at New America

AI Education at Community Colleges Explained and Federal Policy Imperatives:

• Antonio Delgado, Vice President for Technology Partnerships, Miami Dade College; Fellow, Future of Work & Innovation Economy, New America
• Ken Finneran, Vice President for Human Resources, eMed
• Anshul Sonak, Global Director for Digital Readiness Program and Strategy, Intel
• Paul Fain, Co-Founder & Journalist, WorkShift; Author of The Job newsletter
• Remarks & Moderation: Shalin Jyotishi, Founder & Managing Director, Future of Work & Innovation Economy Initiative, New America 

Real Talk - Students and Workers on Community College AI Education:

• Jazmin Even Dorra, Student pursuing an associate's degree in Applied AI, Miami Dade College
• Muskaan Shahzad, Student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Applied AI & Robotics, Houston Community College
• Joshua Sinnott, First graduate of Associate's degree in AI & Machine Learning program of Chandler-Gilbert Community College; Sales Director, Visalaw.ai
• Remarks & Moderation: Tiffany Thai, Senior Program Associate, Center on Education and Labor, New America