Intel, Dell Technologies and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) have created an AI incubator network that will design and build artificial intelligence (AI) labs across the USA.

An initiative from Intel’s AI for Workforce programme, the project will use the expertise and industry connections of America’s community college system. The partnership is opening applications for community colleges that would like to participate in the network by designing and building their own AI incubators as physical laboratories, on virtual platforms or in hybrid models.

“Building upon Intel’s partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges and Dell, establishing incubators for emerging technology education across the USA will provide greater access to critically needed technical skills and training in AI,” said Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Intel executive vice president. “This specialised programme is a starting point for the next generation of US technologists, engineers and inventors to expand their innovative thinking and go on to land careers in all sectors of the digital economy.”

Community colleges that join the network can participate in discussions, connect on economic development, strategise on student engagement into AI programming, share lessons about student projects between the participating colleges, and gather best practices from the field of AI incubation as identified by AACC, Intel, Dell and other partners. The labs will also provide students with more access to AI equipment, tools and resources, and foster the skills needed for future jobs.

Ten colleges will be selected for 12-month grants of $40,000 each to build out their AI labs.

Since the AI for Workforce programme launched in 2020, Intel has expanded it to 31 schools across 18 states. The AI incubator network initiative should quickly expand the AI for Workforce programme, spurring a national dialogue and bringing coordinated resources to the broader community college system.

A 2021 EdScoop survey underwritten by Dell Technologies and Intel found that higher education officials believe the demand for AI training is outpacing supply and the current ability of higher education institutions to meet that demand. Fifty-three percent of survey respondents suggested AI would account for the most significant increase in instructional demand over the next three years, and half said they would like support from a consortium or association of peer institutions.

For colleges that choose to participate, AACC will support the implementation of the AI incubator network. As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the AACC delivers educational and economic opportunities to nearly 12 million diverse students.

Dell will provide technical expertise to the ten selected schools to configure AI labs for teaching in-person, hybrid and online students. Dell’s engagement with Intel’s AI for Workforce aligns with its commitment to its Progress Made Real 2030 goals, transforming lives by providing access to education and technology that supports the US workforce in reaching its potential.

Intel is providing $400,000 in funding as part of its Rise Technology Initiative, which reviews and funds projects related to health care, education and the economy with dedicated workstreams for social equity, human rights, accessibility and climate action. Intel has committed to expand digital readiness to reach 30 million people in 30,000 institutions in 30 countries. This commitment is part of Intel’s 2030 goals and the company’s dedication to using tech as a force for good, underscoring its aim to make technology inclusive and to expand digital readiness worldwide.