These universities just formed a consortium to integrate AI skills into college curriculums

Eight leading educational institutions have formed a consortium to integrate AI skills into college curriculums through experiential learning programs.

The initiative overview; Complete College America, Riipen, and five public colleges across different states are collaborating to embed AI-focused experiential learning into academic programs.

• The consortium includes Atlanta Metropolitan State College, City Colleges of Chicago, City University of New York, Cuyahoga Community College, and Pikes Peak State College
• The participating institutions represent both community colleges and four-year universities focused on accessible education
• The collaboration aims to create a scalable model for other institutions to incorporate AI competency into their programs

Program structure and implementation; The initiative will utilize Riipen’s work-based learning platform to deliver comprehensive AI education and training.

• Faculty members and career services staff will receive training through webinars
• Participants will have access to Riipen’s library of work-based learning resources, including templates and case studies
• Institutions will design courses that integrate AI into project-based assignments involving industry partners
• Regular meetings between participating institutions will facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing

Market demand and relevance; Recent research indicates strong support for AI education in higher education programs.

• A 2024 survey of 1,200 professionals found that 83% believe students should be prepared to use AI in the workforce
• The survey also emphasized higher education’s critical role in providing AI preparation
• The program specifically targets historically excluded communities and institutions to ensure broader access to AI education

Expert perspective; Complete College America’s president Yolanda Watson Spiva emphasizes the program’s focus on practical skills and career preparation.

• The initiative aims to ensure students graduate with both degrees and practical AI skills
• The program recognizes AI’s growing influence on the economy and workforce
• Special attention is given to providing opportunities for historically underserved communities

Looking ahead; While the consortium currently includes only five institutions, its goal of creating a scalable model suggests potential for significant expansion across higher education, though success will likely depend on the initial program’s outcomes and the ability to effectively adapt the model to diverse institutional contexts.