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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s an integral part of industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education. Yet, as the demand for AI technologies surges, a critical challenge has emerged: the shortage of skilled professionals equipped to navigate this evolving landscape. This is where the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC) steps in.

Founded to meet the need for technician-level AI professionals, NAAIC aims to revolutionize AI education and workforce development across the United States.

In August 2024, Miami Dade College (MDC), in collaboration with Houston Community College (HCC) and the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), received a $2.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program. This funding facilitated the creation of NAAIC, which was created to build a skilled and diverse AI workforce, aimed at cultivating technician-level AI professionals nationwide.

The consortium officially commenced operations on October 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone in AI education. By uniting these leading community colleges, NAAIC leverages its collective expertise to address the growing demand for skilled AI professionals.

“We are proud of Miami Dade College’s role as a national leader in AI education and workforce development,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “It is an honor to be entrusted with this important initiative and work alongside other excellent institutions to establish best practices and grow the AI talent pool.”

The Mission and Purpose of NAAIC

NAAIC’s mission is clear: to create a diverse, highly skilled workforce equipped to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. This includes developing technician-level professionals who can contribute directly to industries incorporating AI, such as healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.

To fulfill its mission, NAAIC focuses on three primary objectives:

1. Engaging Industry Leadership: By forming a National AI Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT), NAAIC ensures its programs align with real-world demands. This team of industry experts identifies the knowledge and skills needed for graduates to excel in AI-focused roles.
2. Supporting Community Colleges Nationwide: NAAIC provides mentorship, resources, and a repository of applied AI courses to help community colleges develop robust AI certificates, degrees, and workshops. These efforts emphasize ethical and responsible AI development.
3. Advancing Faculty Development: Recognizing the importance of skilled educators, NAAIC offers professional development opportunities, creates a nationwide community of practice, and hosts annual AI summits to share best practices and foster collaboration.

Leadership and Structure

NAAIC is led by a team of experienced professionals from its founding institutions:

• Miami Dade College:
  • Eduardo Salcedo, Principal Investigator and AI Faculty
  • Antonio Delgado, Co-Principal Investigator and Vice President of Innovation and Technology Partnerships
  • Cynthia Pereda, Grant Director
• Houston Community College:
  • Dr. G. Raymond Brown, Co-Principal Investigator and AI Faculty
  • Samir Saber, Dean of Digital & Information Technology
  • Michael Webster, Campus President
• Maricopa County Community College District:
  • Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor
  • Dr. Ford Fisher, Chancellor of Houston Community College

This leadership team brings a wealth of experience in AI education and workforce development, positioning NAAIC to effectively address the challenges of AI education.

“We are proud to join the NAAIC initiative,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). “Collaboration among the three institutions will allow us to bridge the AI skills gap and develop transformative learning opportunities for our students. By embedding advanced AI training into our curriculum, MCCCD will equip the next generation of professionals with the experience needed to drive innovation and spur economic growth, creating both a national and global impact.”

Why NAAIC Matters

The urgency of NAAIC’s mission cannot be overstated. Consider these facts:

• The AI job market is projected to grow by 19% annually, with roles in data science, machine learning, and AI ethics seeing the highest demand.
• Nearly 58% of companies report that they lack the talent needed to implement AI projects effectively.
• Community colleges serve a diverse population, with many students from underrepresented groups who have traditionally faced barriers to entering tech careers.

By focusing on community colleges, NAAIC is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. It provides students from all backgrounds with affordable access to cutting-edge AI education, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative AI workforce.

Key Initiatives and Programs

To achieve its ambitious goals, NAAIC engages in several transformative initiatives:

1. The National AI Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT)

The BILT serves as the bridge between education and industry, ensuring that NAAIC’s curriculum evolves alongside technological advancements. Comprised of leaders from companies like Intel, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Dell, IBM, and NVIDIA, the BILT identifies emerging trends and the skills needed to stay competitive in the AI workforce.

2. Curriculum Development

NAAIC supports community colleges in designing technician-level AI courses, certificates, and degrees that emphasize real-world applications and ethical considerations. For example:

• Courses might cover AI tools for analyzing medical imaging.
• Certifications could focus on AI-powered automation in logistics.
• Degree programs ensure students are workforce-ready upon graduation.

3. Faculty Professional Development

To empower educators, NAAIC offers:

• Mentorship programs: Faculty members gain guidance from AI experts to improve their teaching methods.
• Annual AI Summits: These events bring together educators, students, and industry leaders to share best practices and stay informed about AI advancements.

4. Expanding Access Nationwide

While initially focused on its founding colleges, NAAIC aims to expand its reach by forming partnerships with community colleges across the U.S. This nationwide effort ensures that students in both urban and rural areas have access to AI education.

5. Ethical AI Practices

NAAIC recognizes the ethical challenges surrounding AI, such as bias in algorithms and privacy concerns. By embedding these topics into its curriculum, NAAIC equips students to develop and implement AI systems responsibly.

“HCC is pleased to be part of the consortium. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and our mission to prepare students for the jobs of the future,” Dr. Ford Fisher said. “Together with leading institutions and industry partners, we are advancing AI education and empowering our students to be pioneers in this rapidly evolving field.” 

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Success Stories and Early Impact

Although NAAIC is still in its early stages, its efforts are already bearing fruit:

• Miami Dade College recently introduced an AI technician program that saw over 200 enrollments in its first semester, with students gaining hands-on experience in machine learning and data analytics.
• Houston Community College partnered with local healthcare providers to train technicians in using AI tools for patient management and diagnostics.
• Faculty members at the Maricopa County Community College District reported increased interest in professional development workshops, with educators incorporating AI concepts into courses ranging from computer science to business.

These success stories illustrate how NAAIC is transforming education and creating opportunities for students nationwide.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, NAAIC aims to:

• Expand its network of colleges: By 2030, NAAIC plans to partner with at least 50 community colleges across the U.S.
• Increase industry collaborations: The consortium is exploring partnerships with startups and non-profits to offer internships and apprenticeships.
• Measure long-term outcomes: NAAIC is developing metrics to track the success of its graduates, ensuring they secure high-paying, impactful roles in AI-related fields.

The National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium is more than an educational initiative—it’s a movement to democratize access to AI careers and ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in AI innovation. By bridging the gap between education and industry, NAAIC is paving the way for a more inclusive, skilled, and responsible AI workforce.