The National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) announced a kickoff meeting for its new Community of Practice (CoP) on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST. This interactive session will bring together educators from diverse institutions to explore innovative approaches to teaching AI, foster collaboration, and provide access to  resources.

The CoP is designed to support educators at all levels of experience, offering tools, professional development, and a network of peers interested in advancing AI education. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of AI in the classroom.

The kickoff meeting will feature:
- An introduction to the CoP’s vision and goals.
- Discussions on how participants can engage and benefit.
- Opportunities to share input and connect with other educators.

Faculty interested in enhancing their AI teaching strategies are encouraged to attend and become part of this new initiative.

For more information and to RSVP, visit the Zoom Webinar Link.

According to an article by Community College Daily, post-pandemic fundraising at community colleges is evolving, with a stronger emphasis on values alignment and flexibility in donations. South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) has seen donors show increased interest in issues such as students' basic needs and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In states like Washington, where DEI work faces fewer legal restrictions, SPSCC has gained support from donors hesitant to contribute in states with stricter regulations.

Meanwhile, the role of traditional in-person events has diminished, with colleges leaning on social media and digital storytelling to connect with donors. The Orange Coast College (OCC) Foundation, for example, has seen fundraising success through campaigns and digital engagement rather than large galas. Both SPSCC and OCC are prioritizing smaller, more personal donor interactions, which advancement leaders argue are more cost-effective and impactful. This shift aligns with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education's (CASE) advice to community colleges: focus on meaningful engagement, build long-term relationships, and maximize return on investment...

The AI Summit New York returns for its ninth year, taking place December 11-12, 2024, at the Javits Center in New York City. A premier event in the AI industry, the summit highlights the commercial potential of artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights on optimizing business processes, driving innovation, and creating tangible value with AI-driven solutions. 

Geared toward professionals, businesses, and students, the event offers a valuable platform to network with industry leaders, explore the latest AI technologies, and deepen strategies for sustainable success in the AI space. Registration options range from a $29 Expo Pass to a $1,499 Delegate Pass, accommodating up to 5,000 participants ready to shape the future of AI.

Register on the AI Summit website. 

The 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report on Cybersecurity and Privacy addresses the evolving challenges and innovations in protecting privacy and security in higher education. It highlights the increasing complexity of cybersecurity due to global political tensions, technological advances, and societal shifts. With contributions from experts worldwide, the report examines how issues like state legislation, the rapid rise of AI, and the instability from ongoing conflicts impact data protection and institutional security.

Areas covered include the need for improved security measures like Zero Trust architectures, advanced encryption, and comprehensive risk management approaches. The report also emphasizes the role of proactive security awareness and regulatory compliance frameworks, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, to better safeguard sensitive information.

Reflecting on the insights gathered, the report says scenarios that explore the future of cybersecurity in academia, urging institutions to prepare for both opportunities and risks brought about by AI and other cutting-edge technologies. It calls for a proactive, adaptive...

Madison College's Electronic & Electrical Engineering Technology programs received a significant boost with a $4.6 million federal grant from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technology Education (NSF ATE) initiative. This funding, part of the Educational Alliance for Semiconductor Experiential Learning (EASEL), will establish a state-of-the-art training center focused on advanced electronic manufacturing technologies, including semiconductor fabrication and quantum photonics. 

The initiative will provide students with apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities, with a special focus on underrepresented populations. Faculty will also receive professional development in integrated circuit manufacturing. A key feature of the program is a summer internship in New York, where students will gain hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, 120 scholarships will be awarded at Madison College, further enhancing opportunities in the high-tech sector.

Led by faculty members Dr. Alberto Rodriguez and Grant Emmel, the initiative aims to expand workforce offerings and catalyze regional economic development. The effort aligns with the U.S. government's...

The National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC) is dedicated to advancing the education and training of the next generation of AI professionals across community colleges nationwide. Through the support of industry partners like Intel, AWS, Microsoft, Dell, and others, NAAIC offers a comprehensive mentoring program designed to empower both students and faculty in the field of AI.

Personalized Mentorship for Community College Students The mentorship program connects students with industry leaders and AI experts who provide guidance, real-world insights, and career support. Whether students are pursuing certificates, Associate, or Bachelor's degrees in applied AI, they receive one-on-one mentorship tailored to their academic and professional goals.

Mentorship and Professional Development for Faculty NAAIC is currently accepting applications from community colleges for mentorship in AI program development and implementation. Faculty members can receive personalized mentorship and professional development training in collaboration with industry partners like Microsoft, Intel, and AWS. NAAIC prepares educators to teach AI within two-year colleges by offering ethical AI...

Join Women in Manufacturing (WiM) from October 6-9, 2024, for the WiM Summit 2024, the only event dedicated to supporting, promoting, and inspiring women at all levels in the manufacturing industry.

This four-day conference will provide valuable insights, takeaways, and networking opportunities from women across the country. The WiM Summit aims to give participants insightful breakout sessions led by seasoned industry experts and motivational keynotes delivered by trailblazing leaders in manufacturing. Expect to learn about industry trends, participant in plant tours, and expand your network with outings.

Standard registration ends on September 30, 2024. Onsite registration begins on October 1, 2024. Register on WiM website registration page and learn more about the conference. 

ATE Central is excited to announce the release of the third series of ATE Student Success Stories. These inspiring videos showcase the challenges and achievements of students from diverse backgrounds who have transformed their lives through technician training programs supported by ATE centers and projects.

Featured Stories:

• Elias's Story: (Miami, FL): Initially considering medicine, Elias shifted gears after discovering the cybersecurity program at Miami Dade College. With six certifications under his belt, he's now thriving in a new role at Amazon.
• Sam's Story: (Riverton, WY): Sam found his calling in geospatial information systems and technologies (GIST) at Central Wyoming College. His passion for the outdoors has led him to help bridge climate data gaps.
• Zachary's Story: (Fort Pierce, FL): After serving in the military, Zachary’s curiosity for engineering brought him to Indian River State College's LASER-TEC program, where he’s now confident in his ability to thrive in the photonics and laser industry.

Watch their journeys on ATE Central and see how ATE programs are empowering students to change their careers. 

The 2024 ATE PI Conference is just around the corner! Join us from October 23-25 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. for three days of discussions and networking.

This event will gather 850+ NSF ATE grantees and partners to tackle the critical issues shaping advanced technological education. You’ll hear from leaders in the field, representing community colleges, industry, secondary schools, and universities nationwide. Don't miss this opportunity to explore cutting-edge projects in areas like advanced manufacturing, IT, nanotechnology, and more.

Register now on the ATE PI Conference website! 

On September 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM CDT, the Safety Innovation Series, created by the Alliance for Automative Innovation, will host a webinar focused on the latest advancements in driver safety technology. Titled "Helping Drivers Stay Attentive, Focused, and Safe," this event will delve into the innovative solutions automakers and suppliers are developing to ensure drivers remain alert and focused while on the road. Attendees will gain insights into both current and emerging technologies designed to enhance driver safety.

To register and for more information, check out the Zoom registration website.