Miami Dade College (MDC) has been awarded a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a national framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Entry Pathways. In collaboration with the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and Houston Community College (HCC), this investment will pave the way for expanding AI education and creating new opportunities for students nationwide.
Housed under the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium, the project aims to increase high school students and adult learners’ access to AI degrees at community colleges by developing scalable strategies and best practices on how to recruit, retain, complete, and transition students in AI programs.
“As AI continues to reshape industry and workforce demand, including education, institutions like ours must continue to create accessible pathways for all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD Chancellor. “Through our collective efforts, we will not only empower the next generation of diverse learners but introduce foundational concepts so that students and educators are better equipped to use AI in school, work, and life.”
The project is funded by NSF directorates for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) and STEM Education as part of the EducateAI initiative to prepare the next generation of talent for a diverse, well-trained AI workforce. The three colleges will leverage the industry partners and the outreach of the National Applied AI Consortium to align with the latest trends in the AI workforce and to disseminate results to community colleges nationally.
“As the first college in Florida to offer both associate and bachelor’s degrees in artificial intelligence, we are honored to receive this generous investment from the National Science Foundation,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “This support strengthens our commitment to advancing AI education and cultivating a thriving local talent pool, driving innovation and opportunity.”
Set to start in January 2025, the grant already counts on a network of school districts, including Miami-Dade County Public Schools to develop and disseminate an AI framework for high school students to be adequately engaged and prepared for a two-year AI degree program at a community college; and to implement an AI Teacher Academy to train high school teachers on properly preparing students for educational pathways and careers in AI.
“By collaborating with our innovative sister institutions and industry leaders through the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium, we are not only expanding access to AI education for high school students and adult learners but also ensuring they are well-prepared to succeed in the AI-driven workforce of tomorrow. This is a pivotal step in equipping our students with the skills needed to thrive in this transformative field,” said Dr. Ford Fisher, HCC Chancellor.