Intel Expands Its AI for Workforce Program to Include Folsom Lake College

Intel is partnering with Folsom Lake College to expand its Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Workforce Program. This national program expansion, which includes a total of 18 community colleges across 11 states, will train tens of thousands of students, putting them on track for careers in high-tech, healthcare, automotive, industrial, and aerospace fields.

"Intel is not only a globally recognized innovator in this arena but also a valued community partner. We have been incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Intel's local Folsom campus in developing Folsom Lake College's Innovation Center makerspace, as well as in offering our students unique work experience and internship opportunities," said Greg McCormac, Folsom Lake College's Dean of Math, Science, and Engineering. "We are excited to further build on that partnership and join Intel's AI for Workforce Program, which will allow us to develop artificial intelligence curriculum preparing our students for this in-demand field."

Folsom Lake College will offer its first course this fall. CISC 499: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science will introduce students to the basics of artificial intelligence and data science, explore use cases and applications of AI, understand AI concepts and terms like computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. Students will be exposed to various issues and concerns surrounding AI, such as ethics and bias. The fully online course starts August 21; enrollment for fall 2021 is currently underway.

Community colleges attract a broad group of students with a variety of backgrounds, provide access and opportunities to students who may be interested in these fields, and can help diversify AI while offering the hands-on technical skills needed for the current and future job market – making them an ideal candidate for Intel partnerships.

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 are the areas of study most anticipated to increase in demand over the next three years. According to the same survey, AI skills were surveyed as the second most in-demand skill behind cybersecurity.

"Intel is very excited to build upon our long-time collaboration with Folsom Lake College in this new area of emerging technology," said Carlos Contreras, Intel's Senior Director of AI and Digital Readiness. "We know that the AI program will provide a new opportunity for students and professionals to learn these new skills."

Intel launched its AI for Workforce Program, piloted by Maricopa County Community College District in Arizona, in 2020. Folsom Lake College is the only community college in the Sacramento region to be part of the expanded AI for Workforce Program.