The partnership will create a consortium offering support and infrastructure so that community college students can receive artificial intelligence training affordably and with fewer barriers.
Intel and Dell have partnered with the American Association of Community Colleges to launch artificial intelligence incubators throughout the country. The 18-month initiative will utilize the expertise of both companies along with the knowledge and industry connections of the nation’s community colleges.
Because the demand for training in AI far outstrips higher education supply, community colleges could provide a critical link in the talent pipeline. The partnership will create a consortium offering support and infrastructure so that students can receive instruction affordably and with fewer barriers.
This network greatly expands Intel’s current AI for Workforce program launched in 2020. That program produced 31 different locations across 18 states. This initiative is expected to explode growth far beyond that.
See also: New Institute Infuses AI with an Inter-Disciplinary Twist
Support and opportunities to build artificial intelligence labs
Participating colleges will receive not only support from both Dell and Intel but will also receive the chance to participate in the conversations driving implementation. They’ll connect with strategic development opportunities and begin implementing technology best practices in their instruction. It provides a pathway for quality education in 21st-century skills and beyond to hopefully relieve the talent shortage in the coming years.
In addition, the program helps colleges build AI labs through possible grants. The labs can be physical, virtual, or a hybrid environment utilizing both. Selections for grants are based on criteria put forth by the partnership.
Building the next generation workforce
Dell offers technical expertise in building labs for the initial ten selected schools. Intel’s goal is to expand AI for Workforce programs to 50 locations by 2023, and the initiative will provide critical resources to ensure schools can take the first step to create a quality, rigorous education setting for students seeking skills in in-demand technology fields. This coordinated response ensures employers have greater access to talent and that job seekers receive access to valuable job training.
