NAAIC Expands AI Workforce Development Efforts to High Schools -- THE Journal

Artificial Intelligence

NAAIC Expands AI Workforce Development Efforts to High Schools

By Rhea Kelly
06/15/26

Key Takeaways

NAAIC is expanding AI education into high schools: The NSF-funded consortium is moving beyond community college pathways to help students build AI skills earlier in the education pipeline.
More than 600 high school teachers will receive AI training: Free professional development will include curriculum support, practical teaching materials, an instructional resource hub, and access to a national AI education network.
The initiative is designed to connect pre-college AI learning with industry demand, college pathways, and future careers in high-demand AI fields.

The National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC), a National Science Foundation-funded initiative led by Miami Dade College, Houston City College, and Maricopa Community Colleges focused on artificial intelligence education and workforce development, is expanding its mission into high schools. The move "extends AI learning opportunities to students earlier in the education pipeline and helps prepare the next generation for success in an AI-driven economy," NAAIC said in a news announcement.

NAAIC initially worked with community colleges to build pathways to the AI workforce, "creating access to AI education, workforce training, and industry-aligned credentials for learners preparing for careers in emerging fields," the consortium explained. Now, its goal is to help high school teachers foster students' AI skills at the pre-college level.

Supported by a $299,990 NSF grant, NAAIC will provide more than 600 high school teachers with free professional development opportunities focused on AI education, including curriculum support, an instructional resource hub, and access to a national AI education network. In addition, NAAIC is launching AI training opportunities with industry and educational partners, as well as self-guided certification programs.

"Preparing America's future workforce for the age of AI is urgent, and it starts with teachers," said Dr. Amy Rubinson, K-12 AI director at NAAIC, in a statement. "By expanding training and resources for high school educators, NAAIC helps teachers build the confidence to bring AI into the classroom, motivating thousands of students to pursue AI college pathways and future careers."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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