Building Employer-Driven Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Technicians

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming businesses, industries, and public organizations. As the adoption of AI grows, employers need skilled technicians who can support and apply these technologies in the workplace. To address this need, this project will establish an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Information Technology–Artificial Intelligence, which will expand access to high-quality AI education and strengthen the technical workforce needed to support innovation, economic growth, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. Guided by an employer-led Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT), the project will prepare students to deploy, support, and maintain AI-enabled systems across a variety of industries. Partnerships with employers, K–12 schools, workforce organizations, and national AI education initiatives will create scalable pathways into AI careers. The project's goals are to (1) build AI infrastructure and applied learning capacity, (2) strengthen the expertise of educators, (3) expand student pathways and workforce readiness, and (4) deepen employer and community engagement. To achieve these goals, the college will establish an AI and robotics laboratory equipped with high-performance computing resources, cloud-based learning environments, and applied robotics technologies. Faculty will collaborate with employers and national partners to develop and continuously improve curriculum and laboratory modules based on employer-validated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). Professional development activities will prepare community college faculty and K-12 teachers to integrate AI concepts into instruction and increase students' awareness of AI-related occupations. Students will prepare for industry certifications and participate in work-based learning, internships, and capstone projects. Workforce boards, community organizations, and school systems will support student recruitment and increase awareness of educational opportunities in AI. University partners will help establish transfer pathways for students seeking a bachelor's degree. Project outcomes will include the launch of the AAS degree, the development of more than 25 AI laboratory modules, expanded AI career pathways, increased attainment of industry-recognized credentials, and increased participation in experiential learning. An external evaluator will assess project implementation, participant outcomes, and workforce impacts. Products of the project will be disseminated through a virtual lab portal, ATE Central, professional conferences, and national networks to support broad adoption by other community colleges. This project is funded by the Advanced Technological Education program, which focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation's economy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.