AI is evolving rapidly, and workforce expectations are changing just as fast. Discover how NAAIC's 2026 Applied AI KSA Report helps community colleges align AI programs with employer demand through industry-informed guidance and emerging workforce insights.

High school educators have more opportunities than ever to build AI knowledge and bring it into their classrooms. Explore this guide to discover free professional development pathways from NAAIC and its partners, understand what each program offers, and find the opportunities that align with your teaching goals and interests.

NAAIC is expanding its NSF-funded AI education mission into high schools, launching free professional development opportunities for educators nationwide. Through partnerships with aiEDU, Day of AI, AI4K12.org, CompTIA, Knowledge Pillars, and Intel, high school teachers now have access to free trainings, industry-recognized certifications, and classroom resources.

NAAIC and Intel Digital Readiness are launching a new collaboration to connect high school teachers with free, classroom-tested Intel® resources integrate AI into everyday lessons, regardless of tech background.

AWS launched the AWS Builder Center as a free, global community platform designed to help educators and students build practical cloud and AI skills through its three pillars—Learn, Connect, and Build. Educators can use 330+ self-paced courses, publish articles, earn badges, and engage with topic-based Spaces while providing feedback to AWS product teams.

The National Applied AI Consortium was selected by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to showcase NSF Advanced Technological Education’s investments in the next generation of AI innovators at the AI + Expo in Washington, DC, May 7–9.

IBM and NAAIC are expanding access to AI education through IBM SkillsBuild, a free program offering more than 1,000 courses and hands-on learning experiences. A key component, the Customized Faculty and Staff AI Learning Plan, provides a structured, self-paced pathway of courses and webinars that helps educators build confidence with AI and apply it across teaching and professional practice.

NAAIC has partnered with EC-Council to expand access to industry-recognized AI certifications across community colleges nationwide. This collaboration introduces new certifications, faculty training, and ready-to-use curriculum designed to help colleges quickly implement applied AI programs. Together, NAAIC and EC-Council are making it easier for colleges to prepare students for the AI workforce.

NAAIC convened educators, industry leaders, and policymakers at the 2026 AI Summit to explore how applied AI education is expanding across community colleges. The event highlighted collaborative strategies for strengthening the national AI workforce pipeline and preparing students for emerging careers.