|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Today, Google.org – the company’s philanthropic program – announced $2 million in funding to Miami Dade College (MDC) to grow the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC), an MDC-led collaboration with Houston Community College (HCC) and Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) to foster the growth of AI professionals across the nation.
“Miami Dade College is at the forefront of AI education nationwide,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “This transformative funding from Google will significantly amplify our efforts through the NAAIC to equip educators with the necessary AI tools to strengthen the infrastructure and prepare students for the AI-powered workforce of tomorrow, not only in Miami but across the country.”
The announcement was made during a panel on “Navigating the AI Era: Strategies from Classroom to Career” held at MDC’s AI Center in downtown Miami. The panel featured MDC President Madeline Pumariega, Ben Gomes, Google’s Chief Technologist for Learning & Sustainability, City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez; and Florida State Rep. Mike Giallombardo.
Through this funding, the NAAIC will broaden its efforts to train educators, enhance digital infrastructure, and develop AI-centered curriculum resources for both college and K–12 faculty. New professional development programs and certifications — including Google’s Generative AI for Educators course — will help educators teach emerging AI technologies with greater confidence and relevance.
Since its inception a year ago, the NAAIC has delivered impressive results:
- 1,056 faculty trained
- Representation from 46 states, Washington, D.C., and two U.S. territories
- 321 academic institutions engaged
- Over 10,000 hours of AI training delivered in partnership with industry leaders
- Over 31,000 students impacted nationwide
MDC has also partnered with Google for Education to co-develop innovative tools using Gemini and Agentspace that enhance student engagement and success. These AI-powered solutions will personalize learning experiences, improve retention, and optimize student support systems across MDC campuses.
”Learning is a deeply human process that is anchored in community, from personal moments that spark curiosity to professors who help further it,” said Ben Gomes, Google’s Chief Technologist of Learning & Sustainability. “By collaborating with institutions whose work is core to these relationships, we hope to equip students with the lifelong skills they need to succeed in the AI era from the classroom to their careers.”
About Google.org
Google.org applies Google’s innovation, research, and resources to promote progress and expand opportunity for everyone.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #5 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural, and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. Learn more at www.mdc.edu.
