Community Colleges Join Forces to Expand Access to AI Training

Community Colleges Join Forces to Expand Access to AI Training kathryn.palmer… Thu, 01/23/2025 - 03:00 AM Colleges with wealthier students are more likely to offer courses that incorporate cutting-edge knowledge. As employer demand for AI skills soar…
Ellamae O'Reilly · 7 days ago · 2 minutes read


Bridging the AI Divide: Community Colleges Join Forces

AI in the Classroom

Colleges and universities are ramping up efforts to equip students with AI skills, essential for thriving in today's job market. However, institutions vary significantly in their offerings due to resource disparities.

"We must ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of AI," said Michael Baston, president of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). "Leaving marginalized populations behind would be a moral failing."

Complete College America's Consortium

To address this gap, Tri-C has joined Complete College America's AI Readiness Consortium, along with four other community colleges. Together, they will develop 25 new courses, leveraging AI tools to solve real-world problems.

Meeting Employer Demand

AI proficiency has become indispensable in the competitive job market. A Microsoft study reveals that 66% of business leaders would prioritize hiring candidates with AI skills, even over more experienced individuals lacking them.

"The potential of AI is enormous, but it's crucial that it doesn't exacerbate existing inequities," said Charles Ansell, vice president at Complete College America.

Historically, under-resourced colleges have lacked access to cutting-edge technology courses. To counter this, the consortium is providing $500,000 to support development and program costs.

Building Industry Connections

The consortium collaborates with Riipen, a work-based learning platform, to connect students with industry partners for meaningful projects. This eliminates barriers faced by students who may struggle to secure internships.

"With embedded employer projects, every student gains valuable hands-on experience and industry feedback," said Dana Stephenson, CEO of Riipen.

By bridging the AI divide and fostering industry partnerships, community colleges are empowering students with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the workforce of the future.