# Enhancing Artificial Intelligence Skills for Technicians to Thrive in the Digital Workforce

> **NSF 04002526DB NSF STEM Education** · Columbus State Community College (OH) · $570,000

## Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by strengthening the education pipeline, providing students with a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and expanding their opportunities to pursue technician careers in the digital workforce. Artificial intelligence enables researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries, empowers educators in their teaching, fosters collaborative learning among students, and facilitates efficient product development by manufacturers. With the growing prominence of artificial intelligence in all sectors, community colleges are well-positioned to prepare technicians to better adapt their skills to meet the demands of the workforce. This project will develop curriculum, provide pathways for faculty to upskill their knowledge, pilot recruitment and career awareness initiatives, and build a promising practices model for artificial intelligence education in the community college classroom.

The experienced leadership team includes experts from community colleges, economic development, and industry. The project will prioritize implementation fidelity with the understanding that artificial intelligence education is a new addition to the curriculum for many community college faculty and students. The evaluation plan will analyze each outcome and provide summative results that will be widely disseminated. Leveraging collaboration with industry partners to shape the program’s needs, the project will make emerging technician-level jobs with a

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2500465
- **Awardee organization:** Columbus State Community College (OH)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** H7GFSFHXELW4
- **PI:** Isaiah Abimbola
- **Primary program:** 04002526DB NSF STEM Education
- **All programs:** AI Education/Workforce Develop, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $570,000
- **Funds obligated:** $570,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2500465

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2500465, Enhancing Artificial Intelligence Skills for Technicians to Thrive in the Digital Workforce. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2500465. Licensed CC0.

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