The Artificial Intelligence Incubator Network Initiative is managed by American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) with funding from Dell Technologies and Intel. This 18-month initiative aims to design and build Artificial Intelligence (AI) Incubators across the country utilizing the expertise and industry-connections of America’s community college system.
AACC believes that AI has become an increasingly important and relevant field of study across multiple occupational areas and industry sectors. AI Incubators (physical or virtual) can be solution centers for the community and a talent pool for the local labor market. Community colleges can learn from their peers through this network at a faster rate than if they tackled this topic alone. All colleges seeking to participate in this work developing and strategizing how to incorporate AI learning content into their courses and learning pathways into their institutions are welcomed.
AACC intends to build this network quickly and elevate a national dialogue and set of coordinated resources to the wider community college system. A minimum of one college per state will be encouraged to join. AACC will provide all AI Incubator Network members with the following:
- AI Incubator Network discussions led by AACC once month in one of three cohorts:
- Cohort A: Colleges seeking to design and build an AI Incubator as a physical laboratory on the campus
- Cohort B: Colleges seeking to design and build an AI Incubator in a virtual platform
- Cohort C: Colleges seeking to design and build a hybridized AI Incubator in both virtual and on-campus scenarios
- State-specific (or regional where appropriate) opportunities to connect with AACC on strategic economic development related to AI Incubators
- Strategies on student engagement into AI programming, and shared lessons about student projects between and among the participating colleges
- Best practices from the field of AI Incubation as identified by AACC, Intel, Dell, and other industry-relevant partners including but not limited to:
- AI learning content, course exercises, instructional videos, data sets, authentic learning experiences, pre-packaged modules for courses, etc.
- Pathways to credit and non-credit bearing courses, certificates, associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, course sequencing, etc.
- Strategies for identifying the program delivery style that will best suit each campus. opens in a new windowLearn more about virtual, hybrid, and in-person labs.opens PDF file
- Train-the-trainer faculty programs to prepare faculty to teach the AI content.
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Submit a Request for Proposals
A minimum of three reviewers will assess each section in the 100 point-valued system outlined below to review applications to join the Community of Practice. Ideally, all applicants will be selected to be included in the Community of Practice.
Applications to join the AIIN are due by Friday, February 25, 2022.
From the application pool, ten colleges will be selected for direct funding of $40,000 to build out their AI Incubator efforts. These funded colleges will be selected based on scores in the outlined categories, geographic and demographic diversity, and in conjunction with the funder’s approval. All colleges will receive notification (selected and non-selected) by March 2022. All colleges who receive funding will have additional expectations. The 10 selected sites will receive $40,000 to:
- Have one workforce and economic development leader and one Artificial Intelligence primary point of contact consistently participating in individualized strategic economic development discussions on AI skills and the full Community of Practice group discussions.
- Send 3 participants to the AI for Workforce Train the Trainer virtual sessions in either April or May. Institutions who have already completed this training will not need to repeat it.
- Elevate, embed, and prioritize AI skills into more occupational areas within community college talent preparation efforts, both internally within the college, as well as externally with associated industry and workforce partners.
- Directly impact a minimum of 10 students during the year of work through a project of the institution’s choosing.
- Submit narrative and fiscal reporting every 6 months (only funded network members will need to submit fiscal reports.)
- Showcase promising practices together with AACC as they are identified with others in the community of practice as well as nationally.
To be considered the Community of Practice please complete the following (only those who wish to be considered for $40,000 in funding need to complete Section 6.)
- Section 1. President or CEO Support Letter (5 Points)
- Section 2. Target Population and Impact Metrics (15 Points)
- Section 3. Industry Engagement Strategy (25 Points)
- Section 4. Statement of Internal Capacity (20 Points)
- Section 5. Detailed Strategy and Sustainability (30 Points)
- Section 6. Project Budget and Narrative (5 Points only to be completed by those institutions applying for funding)
Download the full application instructions here.opens WORD file