NEWS & EVENTS

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Technology industry leader Intel is expanding its Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Workforce Program and partnering with Ocean County College, along with 17 other community colleges across the country in 11 states: Arizona, California, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. This expansion will enable hundreds of thousands of students to land careers in high-tech, healthcare, automotive, industrial, and aerospace fields.

“We are excited to collaborate with Intel for an artificial intelligence certificate program here at Ocean County College, helping our students to prepare for top-level careers in rapidly growing fields,” said OCC President Dr. Jon H. Larson. “Intel is committed to facilitating the expansion of AI access and expertise, and we’re thrilled to develop a partnership to offer our students a foundation and a pathway to a vital and rewarding profession.”

Dr. Joseph Konopka, Vice President of Academic Affairs at OCC, remarked, “Artificial technology is accelerating, as is the need for skilled AI workers. Our students will now be able to join the AI fast track, as they acquire the tools and the vision to continue toward an occupation in a variety of fields, including aerospace, engineering, software development, business, architecture, and much more.”

Whom It Helps: Initial markets include students in engineering, business, and computer science-related fields. Students of various disciplines may also find great value in participating, including the business and entrepreneurial fields, behavioral, and psychological sciences, manufacturing, automotive, and other careers, and technical education programs.

How It Helps: Community colleges offer the opportunity to democratize AI technology since they attract a diverse array of students with various backgrounds and expertise. The expansion of the program will provide access and opportunities to a broad group of students in these fields, including those in underrepresented and underserved communities and offer the technological skills needed for the job market. Students will learn traditional skills, such as data collection, AI model training, and coding, and will explore the societal impact of AI technology. Additionally, students will develop a social impact of AI project, working closely with teachers and Intel mentors.

Why It’s Important: As the country faces record unemployment rates, it is more important than ever to reskill Americans for future employment opportunities. In a 2021 co-branded Dell and Intel survey, AI and machine learning were the areas of study most anticipated to increase in demand over the next three years. According to the same survey, AI skills were assessed as the second most in-demand skill behind cybersecurity. Additionally, 50% of community college educators anticipate AI and machine learning (AI/ML) as the area of study most expected to increase in demand over the next three years. At four-year institutions, 64% of educators anticipate the largest increase of interest will be in AI/ML studies, followed by cybersecurity. Furthermore, 69% of respondents sensed employer demand for AI technical skills increasing, with 73% expecting AI literacy skills to become higher in-demand by employers.

More Context: Intel launched its AI for Workforce Program, piloted by Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) in 2020, which provides AI content to community colleges across the nation. Now Ocean County College is a part of the larger program that includes hands-on programming, which expanded access to technology skills needed for current and future jobs.

AI Program Expansion Details: Intel is partnering with Ocean County College to expand its AI for Workforce Program, which will include 18 community colleges in 11 states. Due to COVID-19, the program piloted at MCCCD in 2020 shifted to virtual learning but is designed for both virtual and in-person instruction. As physical distancing requirements are lifted and the concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic decrease, classes will begin in-person at campuses.

“Intel has been an amazing partner to work with,” said Ken Michalek, a lecturer in OCC’s Computer Science Department. “They are deeply committed in helping us put together an exciting program in AI here at Ocean County College. They have provided us with faculty training, class material, lab support, and guidance for the program. It’s really an honor to be working with such a great team as Intel. They are extremely committed to OCC and our students in creating the future with AI.”