Title: Grant Fuels Atlantic Cape’s Leap into AI and Machine Learning
Intro
Atlantic Cape Community College has secured a $497,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to build a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) program. Over the next three years, the college will develop new courses, upgrade lab equipment, and form industry partnerships that prepare students for high-demand tech careers. This investment will benefit not only Atlantic Cape’s current students, but also local high schools, businesses and underrepresented populations in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
Body
1. A Boost for Tech Education
Atlantic Cape President Barbara Gaba says the grant will transform the college’s STEM offerings. “AI and machine learning are shaping every sector—from healthcare to transportation. With this funding, our students will gain hands-on experience on the same tools used by top employers,” Gaba explains. The college plans to purchase high-performance GPUs, cloud computing credits, and specialized software licenses. These resources will power projects in data analytics, computer vision and natural language processing.
2. Building Real-World Skills
Under the grant, Atlantic Cape will launch three new certificate programs: AI Foundations, ML Applications, and Ethical AI Practices. Each certificate consists of four courses that blend theory with project-based learning. For example, in the AI Foundations class, students will train simple neural networks to recognize patterns in images and text. In Ethical AI Practices, they will explore data privacy, bias mitigation and the social impact of automation.
Dr. Jane Smith, lead faculty for the AI initiative, says the hands-on approach is key. “We want students to leave with portfolios that showcase real solutions—say, a chatbot that answers customer questions or a predictive model for energy usage. That tangible work helps graduates stand out in the job market.”
3. Partnerships and Pathways
Atlantic Cape will team up with local high schools to introduce AI concepts at the freshman and sophomore levels. High school students will attend weekend workshops in the college’s new AI lab, where they can experiment with coding and data sets. The college also plans to offer dual-enrollment options, letting qualified teens earn college credit for introductory AI courses.
On the industry side, the college is forging alliances with regional employers in healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. Companies will help shape the curriculum, offer guest lectures, and provide internship slots. “We’re creating a talent pipeline tailored to our community’s needs,” Gaba notes. “When local businesses grow, they hire locally—and that’s a win for everyone.”
4. Inclusive Access and Outreach
A major goal of the grant is to broaden access to AI education. Atlantic Cape will run summer boot camps aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Scholarships will cover tuition, course materials and transportation. Outreach coordinators will visit middle and high schools to spark interest in AI careers, with special emphasis on reaching women, minority and first-generation students.
Dr. Smith adds, “Diversity in AI is essential. Different perspectives lead to better design and fewer blind spots in technology that touches all our lives.” Mentoring programs will pair newcomers with AI club leaders, helping them navigate coursework and build confidence.
5. Measuring Success
Over the three-year project, Atlantic Cape aims to enroll 300 students in its AI certificates and train another 500 high schoolers through workshops. Success metrics include course completion rates, student satisfaction surveys, internship placements and job outcomes. The college will publish annual progress reports and share best practices with other community colleges.
Looking ahead, Atlantic Cape hopes to secure additional funding to expand the AI program. Potential next steps include advanced micro-credentialing, research collaborations with four-year universities, and evening classes for working professionals.
3 Key Takeaways
• Atlantic Cape won a $497,000 NSF grant to develop AI and machine learning programs, including new certificates and lab upgrades.
• The college will partner with local schools and businesses to offer hands-on training, dual enrollment, internships and boot camps.
• Outreach efforts target underrepresented students, aiming to train 300 college students and 500 high schoolers over three years.
3-Question FAQ
Q1: Who is eligible for the new AI certificate programs at Atlantic Cape?
A1: Any current Atlantic Cape student who meets the program prerequisites—usually a basic math and programming course—can enroll. Qualified high school students may also join through dual enrollment or summer boot camps.
Q2: What industries will benefit from this AI initiative?
A2: The program focuses on sectors strong in Atlantic and Cape May counties, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and tourism. Local employers will guide course content and host internships.
Q3: How will underrepresented students access these opportunities?
A3: Atlantic Cape will offer scholarships, transportation support and mentorship programs for women, minority and first-generation students. Outreach coordinators will also visit middle and high schools to raise awareness.
Call to Action
Ready to launch your career in AI? Visit www.atlanticcape.edu/AIgrant to learn more, register for upcoming workshops and apply for our AI certificate programs. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future with Atlantic Cape!
