For years, the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) has focused on helping community colleges build pathways into the AI workforce through education, workforce training, and industry-aligned credentials. By expanding access to AI learning opportunities and supporting faculty nationwide, NAAIC has worked to prepare learners for success in an increasingly AI-driven economy. Now, that mission is expanding.

With support from a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, NAAIC is extending its work into high schools, bringing AI education resources, professional development opportunities, and career-connected learning experiences to secondary educators across the country. The initiative represents a strategic next step in NAAIC’s broader vision of creating seamless AI education pathways from high school to community college and beyond. 

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Building the AI Workforce Pipeline Earlier

Until now, NAAIC’s efforts have centered on helping community colleges expand access to AI education and workforce training. Through industry partnerships, educator support, and workforce-aligned programming, the consortium has focused on preparing learners for emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence. 

Expanding into high schools strengthens that work by reaching students earlier in their educational journey. By supporting teachers with AI-focused professional development and classroom resources, NAAIC aims to help students gain exposure to AI concepts, skills, and career pathways before they enter higher education. The initiative reflects a long-term commitment to building stronger connections between secondary education, college programs, industry credentials, and future workforce opportunities. 

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Empowering Teachers to Lead the Way

At the center of this expansion is a focus on educators. Through the NSF-funded initiative, NAAIC will support more than 600 high school teachers with free professional development opportunities focused on AI education. Participants will gain access to practical teaching materials, curriculum support, instructional resources, and a growing network of peers and experts dedicated to advancing AI learning. The initiative is designed to help teachers build confidence in bringing AI into the classroom while providing students with stronger connections to future college and career pathways.

"Preparing America's future workforce for the age of AI is urgent, and it starts with teachers,” Dr. Amy Rubinson, NAAIC’s K-12 AI Director, tells us. “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.”

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Summer Training Opportunities for Educators

This summer, NAAIC will launch new professional development opportunities in collaboration with industry and educational partners including aiEDU, AI4K12.org, Day of AI, CompTIA, Knowledge Pillars, and Intel. These trainings will focus on helping educators adopt AI concepts in existing courses while exploring newly emerging AI industry certifications and resources. 

"Intel is pleased to collaborate with NAAIC for K-12 expansion. We believe every student in the USA can be an innovator, creator, and solution builder with AI, not just a passive AI consumer. With our programs like AI for Youth and Skills for Innovation, K-12 teachers can design the responsible learning environment for augmented student outcomes. Every teacher can benefit from a professional learning experience with NAAIC.", said Anshul Sonak, Principle Engineer & Global Director of Intel Digital Readiness Program.

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More Than Training: A Community of Practice

Professional development is only one part of NAAIC’s approach. The initiative is also designed to connect educators to a broader national network through a Community of Practice where teachers can collaborate, share ideas, exchange resources, and learn from one another. Alongside training opportunities, educators will have access to a high school resource hub featuring instructional artifacts and classroom materials designed to support AI teaching and learning. Together, these resources help create an ongoing support system that extends beyond a single workshop or certification. 

“Knowledge Pillars is proud to partner with NAAIC to help prepare high school educators to teach the power and practical application of AI. Through professional development, we will introduce teachers to our AI certification pathways and show how they support both technical and business-focused AI instruction." said Aaron Osmond, CEO of Knowledge Pillars.

As more educators begin incorporating AI concepts into their classrooms, opportunities to connect with peers and share successful practices will become increasingly valuable. 

Christina Gardner-McCune, PhD, Co-Founder of AI4K12.org, sees this as a pivotal moment for students:

“AI education is essential for every student. We're proud to partner with the National Applied AI Consortium to expand high school teacher capacity and create more opportunities for students to learn, understand, and build with AI.”

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A Natural Extension of NAAIC’s Mission

The expansion into high schools builds upon the work NAAIC has already been doing with community colleges and workforce partners nationwide. 

By creating opportunities for high school educators to access training, resources, and professional networks, NAAIC is helping strengthen the pathway from secondary education to postsecondary programs and future careers. The initiative reflects a continued commitment to supporting educators while expanding access to AI learning opportunities at every stage of the educational journey. 

As NAAIC welcomes high school educators into its growing network, the goal remains the same: providing educators  with opportunities to discover AI and preparing their students for success through education, training, and workforce-connected pathways. 

Early feedback from educators speaks for itself:

“The pilot training that NAAIC provided was awesome,' says Mrs. Doris Jackson-Bonaby, M.Ed., of Miami Jackson Senior High School. “Even with a background in computer science, I learned a lot. The facilitator made it very simple. I'm glad that my school is involved in this initiative. We're part of this new movement and this is exciting. And most importantly, this is a great opportunity for our students."

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Get Started!

Explore Summer Trainings

Professional development opportunities for high school educators focused on AI concepts, classroom integration, and emerging industry certifications.

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Learn More About the K-12 Initiative 

Discover how NAAIC is expanding AI education pathways and supporting high school educators nationwide.