What's Happening?
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College (Eastern WVCTC) has partnered with IBM and Northrop Grumman to create a fully online Applied Artificial Intelligence certificate program. Funded by a $169,000 state grant, the program aims to equip students in rural West Virginia with AI skills necessary for the modern workforce. The college plans to hire a specialist to develop the curriculum, which will include training in machine learning, data analysis, and AI applications. The initiative builds on Eastern's existing cyber intelligence degree program and recent AI prompt engineering courses.
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Why It's Important?
This collaboration is crucial as it addresses the growing demand for AI skills in the workforce, particularly in rural areas where access to such education may be limited. By partnering with industry leaders like IBM and Northrop Grumman, Eastern WVCTC is ensuring that the curriculum aligns with employer needs, potentially leading to better job prospects for graduates. The program also reflects broader trends in higher education, where AI-related degrees and certificates are increasingly sought after, highlighting the importance of adapting educational offerings to meet evolving industry demands.
What's Next?
Eastern WVCTC plans to expand the AI program to include an Associate of Applied Science in AI, with potential apprenticeships and staff support from its industry partners. The college aims to develop stand-alone AI modules for workforce development, catering to both short-term upskilling and long-term academic interests. As demand for AI skills continues to grow, other educational institutions may follow suit, leading to increased availability of AI-focused programs across the country.
