Intel Expands AI for Workforce Program

Intel has announced a major expansion of its Intel AI for Workforce Program, which is aimed at “educating the next generation of U.S. technologists, engineers and inventors,” according to the release. The AI for Workforce Program also helps individuals find careers in various fields, such as healthcare, nursing and business. 

The company announced that it is collaborating with Dell Technologies for the expansion of the program across the United States, with Dell providing technical and infrastructure expertise. 

Students who complete the expanded program will gain a certificate or an associate degree in artificial intelligence (AI). It will be implemented in 18 schools across 11 U.S. states.

Pat Gelsinger is CEO at Intel. 

“AI is one of the superpowers fueling innovation, economic growth, job creation and advancements across every aspect of society,” Gelsinger said. “The next-generation workforce will need skills and training in AI to develop solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, and community colleges play a huge role in unleashing innovative thinking. Community college is where I developed my passion for technology and kicked off the career journey that eventually led to my dream job as the CEO of Intel.”

What is the AI for Workforce Program?

The program helps students gain the necessary job skills in the field of AI, with the courses focused on data collection, computer vision, AI model training, coding, the societal impacts and ethics of AI, and more. 

Beginning in 2019 as a collaboration between Intel and a community college located in Maricopa County, Arizona, the program is now serving 800,000 students after adding 18 institutions. The company plans to expand it to 50 more community and vocational colleges by 2022. 

Dell’s Role

Dell is responsible for providing the technical expertise to schools, with a focus on how to best configure AI labs for different teaching environments, such as in-person, hybrid and online. 

Jillian Manosolf is Senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Corporate and Public Sector, at Dell Technologies. 

“Higher education institutions are a catalyst for change by providing expertise and training in emerging fields,” said Mansolf. “By collaborating with Intel, Dell is able to deliver AI learning experiences to these students, helping to prepare the future workforce for impact and success.”

“I can’t wait to see the amazing things these students will do with AI technology to improve the life of every person on the planet,” Gelsinger added. “We hope other companies will join us in this important mission.”

Which Schools Are Involved? 

The newly expanded program includes 18 participating schools: Antelope Valley Community College in Lancaster, California; Central New Mexico in Albuquerque; College of Southern Nevada in North Las Vegas; County College of Morris in Randolph, New Jersey; Maricopa Community College in Maricopa County, Arizona; Folsom Lake Community College in Folsom, California; Foothills-DeAnza in Los Altos, California; Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Houston Community College; Ivy Tech Community College in Lake County, Indiana; Lonestar Community College in The Woodlands, Texas; Middlesex Community College in Edison, New Jersey; Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; Morris County Vocational School in Denville, New Jersey; Ocean Community College in Toms River, New Jersey; Santa Ana Community College in Santa Ana, California; Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon; and Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan

According to Intel, the company is committed to expanding digital readiness around the globe and bringing opportunities to underserved communities.