AI-generated image courtesy Sora
DMACC and Intel have a new partnership to create an AI-focused certificate class through its Continuing Education program. DMACC is the first school in the state of Iowa to offer this program.
The 8-week non-credit class started in Fall 2024. The program aims to help students build AI skills to become workforce-ready, as more and more businesses have integrated AI into their everyday practices. Starting in Fall 2025, DMACC will offer an associate’s degree (AAS) in Artificial Intelligence. It is a 60-credit degree plus the certificate from the 8-week class.
Intel, founded in 1968 and long known for making microprocessors, has an AI education workforce program in the U.S. to prepare current and future workers with AI skills. According to their website, their goals are for students to gain technical confidence in AI, enhance employability for AI-related jobs, and produce evidence for employment. This program started in 2020, and since March 2024, over 110 schools in 39 states have joined.
In a press release from September 2024, DMACC President Robert Denson said, “We’re excited to be the first college in Iowa to offer the AI for Workforce Program in partnership with Intel … Our goal is to help our students build the skills they need to flourish in the growing field of artificial intelligence and to give Iowa companies a competitive edge.”
Also in the press release, Executive Academic Dean for Business & Information Technology at DMACC, Anne Powers, said, “In collaboration with Intel, DMACC will now have the ability to deliver key AI learning experiences to students and better prepare them for some of the fastest-growing jobs in today’s economy.”
The program is aimed at people already in the workforce and looking to learn more about AI, those working in IT, or those looking to make a career shift. This also offers the opportunity for prospective students interested in AI to become proficient.
In an interview, Powers said, “AI has become transformational even in education and how we teach. It’s becoming transformational in the medical field, in agriculture, and to be able to offer that to students and consumers in the region, I think, is so wonderful.”
Ryan Doser is a digital marketing consultant and YouTuber in Central Iowa who works closely with AI. He uses AI in his day-to-day life and business to help clients get the best results for their marketing campaigns and grow their networks.
According to Doser, more companies are using AI to remove “robot work” that used to eat up hours every week. From emails to campaigns and even blog posts. AI is taking over the work that humans normally do.
Doser said in an email interview, “Understanding the basics of AI isn’t optional anymore, especially for white-collar careers. Whether you love it, fear it, or fall somewhere in between, AI isn’t going away… If you’re not at least familiar with the basics of these platforms, you’re going to fall behind fast.”
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