Through our work with the AI Alliance, the team at UpSkill America has had the chance to talk to some amazing leaders who are thinking deeply about how to build artificial intelligence (AI) skills for everyone. Intel’s AI for Workforce program is a great example of a scaled model designed to reach people where they are, with everything from training to courses to degrees, in partnership with trusted local institutions.
Intel’s AI for Workforce program is a leading initiative designed to support community colleges in providing high-quality, industry-informed, and industry-aligned curriculum. With more than 100 partner colleges, Intel is getting AI training in communities across the country. Brian Gonzalez, executive director for global government affairs at Intel Corporation, commented, “The community college is the agent for change, and we see effects beyond the community colleges. They are supporting the future workforce, and students can be 18 or 45. They learn technical skills, social skills, and career growth skills.”
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city of about 200,000 people and the hub of a larger metro area of more than 1 million, is investing in AI education, not just for current students but for the entire community. GRCC just launched a new certificate program in AI and is also providing on-demand and planned training through in-person and virtual engagements. Jonnathan Resendiz, associate professor, commented, “We see a great need for people to understand foundational aspects of AI. They don’t need a deep dive, but they do need an overall picture of how AI works. When we start describing how large language models work in a basic way, people start to understand that they are based on mathematical concepts. When people start seeing that and breaking down the concept, they understand that there isn’t magic happening, and this abates their worst-case scenarios.”
GRCC also focuses specifically on ensuring that faculty members are empowered with foundational AI skills and are able to use AI to support their students’ learning. Kristi Haik, dean of GRCC’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, said, “We developed an AI policy committee to determine what we needed to do to figure out how to help faculty address issues and approach AI as a tool, not as something we want to shut down. Can students use AI in negative ways? Yes. But it is the faculty’s role to say that we know that this can be used positively, and make sure it is used positively in classrooms.”
In Mississippi, AI training and coordination is happening through the nation’s first statewide AI initiative. Through the Mississippi AI Network (MAIN), with support from Intel and Dell Technologies, every community college in the state, as well as multiple public and private universities, is working to provide accessible AI education to anyone who wants it. Kollin Napier, Ph.D., leads the initiative. He commented, “MAIN serves as an educational resource for Mississippi, offering leadership and guidance to legislators, educators, manufacturing professionals, and others to help them understand AI and its impact. If you’re eager to learn about AI, MAIN offers free resources to help you get started.”
Jonathan Woodward, Ph.D., vice president for teaching and learning and community campus at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) where MAIN is housed, describes MAIN’s collaborative network as four concentric circles. The first circle focuses on students. To prepare students for AI-related careers, the college developed an AI and Data Technology degree program. Additionally, to reach the entire student body, MGCCC revamped its required computing course within the general education core, shifting the focus to AI and cyber while still covering essential computing skills. “That is a big deal,” he said. “Now every student will have a basic understanding of AI, how to use it, and how to use it ethically.” By fall 2025, every community college in the system will have the opportunity to teach this course to all students, and the course will transfer through articulation to all of the public universities in the state.
Faculty and college employees are the second key priority. Using a “train the trainer” approach, MAIN focuses on building AI skills and capacities for teachers and faculty members, equipping them with practical knowledge on how to effectively use AI in the classroom and support student learning. The third circle involves collaboration with governmental entities, ensuring MAIN stays connected and influential in shaping AI policy. Finally, MAIN partners with private industry, helping businesses — particularly manufacturing companies — understand AI and automation while supporting upskilling efforts.
In every case, MAIN strives to make AI competency-building relevant to its audiences. Napier explained, “People resist what they don’t understand, and they often resist change. The MAIN initiative demonstrates why AI should matter to them, and the curriculum provides an opportunity to learn and embrace it.” AI skill-building takes the durable skills that cross functions and roles and ensures that all audiences are prepared for a future where they can amplify their work through emerging technology safely and confidently.
With Intel’s leadership, and the commitment and ingenuity of leaders in places like Grand Rapids and Mississippi, AI competencies are reaching thousands of people, creating a more resilient and prepared workforce, and “future-proofing” their communities, as Woodward commented. “I would advise other community colleges to partner with tech companies,” he remarked. “However, each institution needs to determine where they want to be in five to 10 years in terms of AI, and partner with companies that align with that vision. That’s why we partnered with Intel — it’s been a winning relationship.”
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UpSkill America supports employers and workforce organizations to expand and improve high-quality educational and career advancement opportunities for America’s front-line workers. We seek to create a movement of employers, civic organizations, workforce intermediaries, and policymakers working collaboratively to implement education, training, and development strategies that result in better jobs and opportunities for front-line workers, more competitive businesses, and stronger communities. Follow us at www.upskillamerica.org and linkedin.com/showcase/upskill-america
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