Intel, Dell Launch Initiative to Build AI Labs in Community Colleges

Intel, Dell Technologies and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) have announced the launch of the new AI Incubator Network, which is an initiative aimed at designing and building artificial intelligence (AI) labs throughout the U.S. The initiative will leverage expertise and industry connections in the country’s community college system. Applications are being opened to community colleges, which can design and build their own AI incubators as virtual platforms, physical labs, or a hybrid. 

Michelle Johnston Holthaus is executive vice president and general manager at Intel.

“Building upon Intel’s partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges and Dell by establishing incubators for emerging technology education across the U.S. will provide greater access to critically needed technical skills and training in AI. This specialized program is a starting point for the next generation of U.S. technologists, engineers and inventors to expand”

If a community college decides to join the AI Incubator Network, it can participate in discussions, strategize student engagement into AI programming, collaborate on student projects across colleges, and more. The labs will help students find greater access to AI equipment, tools, resources, and new skills for future AI careers.

The initiative will select ten colleges for 12-month grants of $40,000 each, which can then be used to build out AI labs. It is part of Intel’s AI for Workforce program, which was launched in 2020 and has since expanded to 31 schools across 18 states. 

Brian Gonzalez is executive director of government, partnerships and initiatives at Intel.

“The labs will provide students with more access to AI equipment, tools and resources, allowing them to develop technical skills such as data collection, AI model training, coding, and explore the societal impacts of AI technology,” Gonzalez said.

The AAAC will support the implementation of the AI Incubator Network at colleges that participate in the program, while Dell will provide technical expertise to the 10 selected schools. This expertise will help the colleges configure AI labs for in-person teaching, online students, and hybrid models. Intel is providing $400,000 in funding, which is part of the company’s RISE Technology Initiative (IRTI). The IRTI reviews and funds projects related to education, healthcare, and the economy.