In its first year, the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) has made remarkable progress in advancing applied AI education nationwide. Backed by the National Science Foundation and led by Miami Dade College in partnership with Houston Community College and Maricopa Community Colleges, NAAIC was founded to democratize AI education and accelerate workforce development through the community college system.

As of September 2025, more than 1,000 faculty members from over 320 academic institutions across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and two U.S. territories have completed over 10,000 hours of AI training through NAAIC programs. With each trained faculty member teaching an average of 30 students, the consortium’s impact now reaches more than 31,000 students across the country.

NAAIC’s success has been driven by strong partnerships and a hands-on approach to skilling. Through mentorship, certification programs, and collaborations with Microsoft, Intel, AWS, Google, and OpenAI, the consortium equips colleges to quickly launch new AI courses, degrees, and career pathways that align with workforce needs. The focus is on applied AI ensuring students gain practical, industry-relevant skills that translate directly into employment opportunities.

By scaling AI education through community colleges, NAAIC is positioning the United States as a global leader in developing an AI-ready workforce. Students and educators alike are already seeing the results: new programs, new jobs, and new confidence to lead in an AI-powered economy.

Today, NAAIC stands as the nation’s go-to hub for applied AI education where colleges, companies, and communities come together to build the talent and innovation that will define America’s AI future.

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