# Generating Artificial Intelligence Talent

> **NSF 04002526DB NSF STEM Education** · Central Piedmont Community College (NC) · $474,038

## Abstract

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to change the foundational knowledge students need to excel as they embark on technician career paths. Current workforce research reveals that demand outpaces supply as U.S. businesses attempt to hire technicians with the necessary digital skills.  In response to this demand, Central Piedmont Community College has established an associate in applied science (AAS) degree in AI.  To enhance the AI degree, this project will create strategies for strengthening career pathways for skilled workers with industry-aligned curriculum and stackable certificates. Courses will be evaluated with input from an AI-focused advisory council and adapted to meet the rapidly changing needs and industry’s projected demand for more than 1,000 new roles locally that will require AI digital skills. Given AI's predicted impact on current technician roles, the project will develop stackable certificates to retrain workers to leverage expertise and harness new digital artificial intelligence. The project will invest in “human capital” by supporting faculty professional development, empowering and preparing students, and up-skilling and re-skilling current workers to meet the challenges and opportunities for future technician roles that incorporate sought after skills such as problem-solving using programming logic, design, and storytelling using data analytics.

The goals of the project are to: (1) strengthen engagement of local industry 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2500901
- **Awardee organization:** Central Piedmont Community College (NC)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JG8JXHNVQD654205
- **PI:** Carl L Arrington
- **Primary program:** 04002526DB NSF STEM Education
- **All programs:** AI Education/Workforce Develop, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $474,038
- **Funds obligated:** $474,038
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2500901

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2500901, Generating Artificial Intelligence Talent. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2500901. Licensed CC0.

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