BridgeValley CTC Receives $40,000 Grant for Artificial Intelligence Lab
(South Charleston, WV) – Today, BridgeValley was awarded a $40,000 grant from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), Dell Technologies and Intel, as part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Incubator Network Initiative. The attributed funds will go toward building an AI incubator for greater access to AI computing power, tools and resources, aiming to foster the skills needed for future jobs. A total of 15 colleges were selected based on criteria determined by AACC, Dell Technologies and Intel.
We are thrilled to accept this generous grant to bring new opportunities to BridgeValley students,” said Dr. Casey Sacks, President of BridgeValley Community and Technical College. “The opportunities this lab will bring will immensely benefit the BridgeValley and Advantage Valley communities.”
In January 2022, AACC, Dell Technologies and Intel announced a joint commitment to grow Intel’s AI for Workforce Program from 18 states to 50 by 2023. In addition to receiving the grant, BridgeValley has also joined the AI Incubator Network to connect with community colleges across the nation on strategic economic development opportunities, participate in discussions about learning pathways, strategize on student engagement in AI programs, and gather best practices from each other and industry leaders.
“Today’s students will enter a technology workforce where every organization will focus in some capacity on applying AI to solving problems and creating value for organizations. Intel is excited to partner with the AACC and Dell Technologies to democratize AI technology and enable students to enter that workforce with AI experience,” said Carlos Contreras, Senior Director of AI and Digital Readiness at Intel
AI courses will be offered for Computer Science students and as electives for all majors in 2023. We encourage students from all backgrounds to participate in our related curriculum and new AI lab once completed. There is no prior tech or coding knowledge needed, only foundational math skills. We look forward to empowering the next generation with the necessary AI skills for careers in the digital economy.
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About BridgeValley Community and Technical College
BridgeValley Community and Technical College promotes student success, prepares a skilled workforce, and builds tomorrow’s leaders by providing access to quality higher education. BridgeValley Community and Technical College is the college of opportunity for a diverse learner population, offering leading-edge technology, innovative ideas, and dynamic service to our students and our communities.
BridgeValley Community and Technical College was founded on March 20, 2014, and serves a seven-county region including Fayette, Kanawha, Clay, Putnam, Cabell, Mason, and Wayne counties. The college operates two campuses in Montgomery and South Charleston, along with the addition of the Advanced Technology Center. BridgeValley Community and Technical College is a public institution of higher education independently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges and a member of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia.
Promoting student success, preparing a skilled workforce, and building tomorrow’s leaders.
About AACC
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)\ delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. https://www.aacc.nche.edu/
About Intel
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel’s innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.