The National Applied AI Consortium(NAAIC) is proud to announce a new partnership with EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity and AI certifications. Together, we’re working to make it easier for community colleges across the country to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

A Practical Framework for the AI Era

Central to this initiative is EC-Council’s “Adopt. Defend. Govern.” framework, which provides a clear, applied approach to AI education:

●      Adopt - Build foundational AI literacy and practical skills

●      Defend - Understand how to secure and protect AI systems

●      Govern - Ensure ethical, responsible use of AI technologies

This framework helps institutions equip students with the knowledge needed to build, manage, and safeguard AI systems in real-world environments.

Turning AI Education into Career Opportunities

At NAAIC, our mission is simple: help educators teach AI in ways that lead directly to meaningful careers for their students. This collaboration with EC-Council brings that mission to life by introducing new industry-recognized AI certification pathways into community college programs.

Through this partnership, colleges will gain access to:

●      Faculty training and development opportunities

●      Industry-aligned curriculum designed for real-world application

●      Ready-to-implement AI certification courses, including:

        - Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AIE)

         - Certified AI Program Manager (CAIPM)

         - Certified Offensive AI Security Professional (COASP)

         - Certified Responsible AI Governance and Ethics(CRAGE)

These programs were created to meet students at different stages, from foundational knowledge to specialized expertise.

To ensure successful implementation, EC-Council will also provide comprehensive teaching resources through its Free Academia model. This includes eCourseware and lesson plans, pre-built LMS course shells, hands-on labs and exam prep materials, and presentation decks with instructional tools. By reducing the burden on faculty, colleges can more quickly launch and scale AI programs that meet industry demand.

Why Community Colleges Matter & What’s Next

Community colleges are at the center of workforce development and serve diverse students, respond quickly to industry needs, and provide accessible pathways into high-growth careers. This partnership reinforces the critical role these institutions play in building a national AI talent pipeline that is inclusive, scalable, and aligned with the modern workforce.

To introduce this partnership and share how institutions can get involved, NAAIC will host an information session on April 23rd from 12:00 to 1:00 PM ET. Additional faculty training opportunities and program details will be announced during the session.

This collaboration marks an important step forward in expanding access to applied AI education and ensuring that students across the country are prepared for what comes after graduation.

Learn more about the NAAIC x EC-Council partnership here.

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