Town of Ramapo

Through the partnership, RCC will integrate Intel’s artificial intelligence curriculum into its

Cyber Security, Computer Information Systems, Computer Support Specialist, and Computer Science programs.

Suffern, NY. (January 27, 2022) Rockland Community College (RCC) is proud to announce that it is the first New York college to join Intel’s AI for Workforce program, which seeks to empower community college students across the country with the necessary artificial intelligence (AI) skills for employability in the digital economy. The program is a partnership between Intel, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and Dell Technologies to bring AI education to all 50 states by 2023.

Because the AI industry is booming, Intel stresses that the demand for AI skills is expected to grow exponentially over the next three years, driving a need for workers to learn new technical skills across industries. The company points to a 2021 survey of higher education educators and IT decision-makers, which found that 69% of all respondents sensed increasing demand from employers for graduates with AI technical skills. To fulfill the mission of its AI for Workforce program, Intel is providing more than 225 hours of AI content to community colleges, including pre-packed courses, as well as professional training for school faculty and implementation guidance. Community colleges, including RCC, can then use this content to develop AI certificates, augment existing courses, or launch full AI associate degree programs for their students.

Four RCC faculty members— Nicole Hanaburgh, Professor of Cybersecurity; Jeanette Geller, Professor of Cybersecurity; Christopher Flatley, Professor of Cybersecurity; and James Liporace, Professor of Math and Computer Science—will attend the Intel training, which begins on January 18 and runs through March. After completing the training, they will begin working to imbed the Intel AI Curriculum in RCC’s Cyber Security, Computer Information Systems, Computer Support Specialist, and Computer Science programs.

“We recognize how crucial it is to train our students to meet the need for a next-gen workforce that is skilled in artificial intelligence technology,” said Eric Magaram, RCC’s Program Director for Math, Computer Studies and Cyber Security. “We’re thrilled to be able to access Intel’s resources and help bring this top-notch material into our curriculum offerings. Joining this partnership means we can help RCC students find competitive workplace opportunities in growing fields where AI plays an important role, such as healthcare, industrial, and aerospace.”

For those interested in Artificial Intelligence classes at Rockland Community College, there are two programs within the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics that have courses aligned with a career in AI: Cybersecurity Program or the Math and Computer Science program.

RCC’s Spring Semester runs from January 22 through May 16, 2022 and the last day to register is January 28. Courses are being offered in a variety of both in-person and virtual courses so students can build the schedule that best fits their lifestyle. RCC also offers flexible, seven-week Flex Start courses that run from January 22 through March 20 and March 28 through May 16. For more information, visit: sunyrockland.edu/springregistration.