Main Theme: Strategic partnership between Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) and GoodSAM AI/GoodCombinator, aiming to leverage AI technology for education, workforce development, and community engagement.
Key Objectives:
- Position NWFSC as a leader in preparing students for an AI-driven economy.
- Foster regional economic growth by providing a skilled workforce.
- Strengthen community connections by increasing access to technology and AI education.
Key Initiatives:
The partnership proposes a three-pronged approach:
1. Educational Excellence:
- Joint Certification Programs: Develop industry-aligned certifications in AI and machine learning for students and professionals.
- Shared Online Learning Resources: Create a digital repository of accessible lectures, workshops, and interactive tools.
- Cross-Institutional Credit Transfers: Enable seamless student mobility between GoodSAM AI and NWFSC.
2. Workforce Development:
- AI Skills Training: Offer short-term courses in AI, machine learning, and data analysis tailored to regional industry demands.
- Internships and Career Pipelines: Provide paid and credit-bearing internships with clear job pathways.
- Industry-Specific Certifications: Create targeted programs in areas like environmental AI, healthcare technology, and tourism innovation.
3. Community Engagement:
- Workshops and Seminars: Co-host monthly sessions on topics like "AI for Beginners" and "Ethics in Technology."
- Shared Facilities for Events: Utilize college and GoodSAM resources for hackathons, tech expos, and speaker series.
- Community Outreach: Promote digital literacy with mobile coding labs and hands-on activities for underserved groups.
Expected Impact:
- "Equip students with cutting-edge skills to thrive in an AI-driven workforce."
- "Strengthen regional economic development through a well-trained workforce."
- "Foster deeper community connections by increasing access to technology and AI education."
- "Enhance the college’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technological advancement."
Next Steps:
- Formalize Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on credit transfers, facility sharing, and internships.
- Establish joint committees to oversee educational programs, research projects, and community initiatives.
- Identify funding opportunities through joint grant applications.
- Develop marketing strategies to raise awareness about the partnership and its offerings.
Conclusion:
This collaboration will make NWFSC a "cornerstone of regional technological progress," ultimately benefiting students, industries, and the community.