Students enrolled at Wisconsin's technical colleges this fall might take a course where artificial intelligence is the star of the classroom.

Officials say it could help produce a more robust pipeline of workers in the Badger State.

Layla Merrifield, president of the Wisconsin Technical Colleges System, said manufacturers are making it clear they want a workforce with the know-how in programming and operating machinery fitted with AI, which is why the system is integrating it with coursework at regional campuses.

"Here in Wisconsin, we have a structural workforce shortage and our demographics are telling us that will continue," Merrifield pointed out. "What we're seeing, it's really upscaling the workforce."

Elected officials face pressure to adopt regulations to ensure artificial intelligence is used safely. Merrifield noted schools in Wisconsin prioritize teaching students how to use AI ethically and appropriately. An analysis from the Center for Security and Emerging Technology said community and technical colleges have the potential to grow and sustain the AI talent pool but barriers like inconsistent government funding need to be addressed.

Merrifield acknowledged Wisconsin's campuses are coming off modest general aid increases from the Legislature and will request more in the next budget cycle, noting the programs technical schools offer can be costly to maintain. They also have to balance tuition affordability.

"We understand that our students often come from limited means. They have limited financial resources," Merrifield stressed. "We try to keep tuition as low as possible."

Whether it's AI curriculum or other courses, Merrifield suggested they need the right amount of support to stay nimble and retool programming based on workforce trends. Waukesha County Technical College is one of the schools offering a class where students learn about the foundations of AI.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


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A community college north of Sacramento is trying out an innovative way to lower costs for needy students with a new "Endow-a-Bed" program.

Sierra College received $80 million from the state to build a new dorm with 354 beds, where students will pay about $450 a month to live while they are in school.

Sonbol Aliabadi, executive director of the Sierra College Foundation, said donors have stepped up to offer free room and board for a few, very low-income students.

"We have a little over seven beds endowed," Aliabadi explained. "Hopefully, by the time that the dorms are ready, which will be the fall of 2026, we will have all 10 beds endowed already."

A recent report from the State Legislative Analyst found almost one-quarter of students surveyed at California community colleges reported being homeless at some point over the last twelve months.

Only full-time, very low-income students will qualify for the free room and meals at Sierra College. The school estimated it costs about $6,000 per year to offer the lodging, with meals at the school cafeteria at an additional cost.

Aliabadi noted donors are stepping up to keep the program running indefinitely.

"For a one-time investment of $250,000, at a rate of return of 3%, you generate about $7,500 a year," Aliabadi outlined. "That would cover both room and board for one student, in perpetuity."

Sierra College also got a grant to make four emergency beds available in the existing dorms. If a student suddenly becomes homeless, they can stay in the dorm for 30 days and work with the school to find permanent housing.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


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California is facing a huge shortage of qualified health care workers, so the San Diego Community College District is stepping in to help recent grads afford professional testing and licensing.

The Ready2Work program reimburses health care students' fees as soon as they take the test or apply for the certification or license.

Laurie Coskey, vice chancellor for development and entrepreneurship for the San Diego Community College District, said they are responding to the needs of the marketplace.

"There is a big shortage in registered nurses, the radiology technicians, phlebotomy, information management assistants, dental assistants, vet techs," Coskey outlined. "They are in high demand."

The fees average about $500 and reimbursements range from $240 up to $1,200, mostly covered by foundations, private donors and some public funds. Health care students automatically qualify at San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College and the College of Continuing Education.

Coskey noted many students struggle financially and have families to support, so without the reimbursement, they would have to work and save for up to six months after graduation to cover the fees.

"The sooner our students take their tests from finishing the program, the more likelihood is that they will pass the test and get right into work," Coskey emphasized. "Our students are very excited."

Hundreds have benefited so far, with about $385,000 expected to help about 1,000 additional graduates this school year.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


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The University of Maine is helping to train the next generation of skilled aquaculture workers.

Designs for a new $10 million Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce Innovation Center on the Orono campus will begin this fall.

Debbie Bouchard, associate extension professor and director of the Aquaculture Research Institute, said students will gain real-world experience growing fish on land in recirculating tanks.

"Having the extra space to engage more students in systems that resemble those of commercial scale is going to be really exciting for us," Bouchard explained.

Bouchard pointed out four large aquaculture companies moving into Maine have already contacted the school in search of workers. The Maine Aquaculture Association estimated more than 1,300 additional employees will be needed over the next fifteen years.

Aquaculture is considered one of the world's fastest growing food systems as many wild fish populations recover from overfishing and global demand for fresh seafood continues to climb. Bouchard noted the center will support the sustainable growth of aquaculture in Maine and even teach students the skills needed to run their own shellfish or fin fish businesses.

"Being able to assess water quality, being able to determine production systems, animal husbandry for fin fish, fish health sort of observation," Bouchard outlined.

Bouchard emphasized the new aquaculture center will support greater food security and climate resilience through research and innovation. The U.S. currently imports roughly 65% of its seafood. She added students have a unique opportunity to help increase domestic food production and support coastal communities.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.