As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prominent in the workforce, community colleges across Chicago and its suburbs are gearing up to prepare students for a future shaped by these advancements. Educators in the area are also studying the national implications of this emerging technology, aiming to integrate the newfound knowledge into local curricula.
At Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, significant strides are being made. Ryen Nagle, Vice President of Academic Affairs, has been appointed to the Commission on the Future of Work through the American Association of Community Colleges, a key advocacy group for community colleges nationwide. Nagle’s appointment spans from July 2023 to June 2029, driven by recent workforce and educational innovations.
One thing we’re trying to look at is, what are the AI tools that our employers need for different fields? Because it varies across fields. And how do we get access to that for our faculty and students so they can enter the workforce ready to use AI in the ways that that workforce is interested in and finds value in?
The commission aims to discern employers’ needs regarding AI, focusing on ethical and responsible usage. Their initial meeting is scheduled for November. The goal is for students to become adept at using AI in fields like cybersecurity and information technology, where it’s increasingly essential. Beyond functional knowledge, Nagle emphasizes the human dimension, urging a deeper conversation about AI’s impact on personal and communal well-being.
City Colleges of Chicago is also advancing AI education. In August 2026, they announced an AI degree program at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago’s Dunning neighborhood. This program offers both online and in-person classes and is set to begin this fall. Ayoka Noelle Mota Samuels, Associate Vice Chancellor of Technology Sector Strategy, stressed the importance of equipping students with skills necessary for AI-integrated careers.
We’re doing that for AI so that people can be ready and can have the skills and abilities necessary to be more employable. That is our responsibility for folks in our regions, that we provide these types of opportunities and training for them.
In recent years, City Colleges of Chicago has been incorporating AI and IT skills across various programs, including the Tech Launchpad at Kennedy-King College and advanced certificates in AI and Machine Learning Development at Wilbur Wright College. These initiatives aim to ensure students are well-prepared for future job markets.
Professor Laura Lauzen-Collins from Moraine Valley Community College has incorporated AI discussions into her psychology classes. She stresses that mastering foundational skills and understanding ethical AI practices are crucial for students.
You need to know how to use the tools that are being used broadly in that field and know enough to not only be able to use a tool, but to also know when a tool is wrong.
While predicting AI’s future remains uncertain, Lauzen-Collins emphasizes preparedness for its potential impacts. She advises awareness for careers predominantly computer-based, as these face higher risks from evolving AI technologies.