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:

1. What exactly is the state of play of AI education and workforce development at community colleges?
2. 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?
3. 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.

Interested in learning more? Check out their webinar.

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