MAYS LANDING - Atlantic Cape Community College was awarded a $474,227 National Science Foundation grant June 17 for its “Industry-Linked Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Pathways for Computer Programmers” project. Over the next three years, the project will create a comprehensive associate degree and one-year certificate program that will increase access to AI technologies education for students throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties.
The project will build upon the existing Computer Programming Associate of Applied Science degree. The goals include designing and implementing four new courses focused on machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and AI ethics. These courses will be introduced progressively, starting with foundational concepts in the first year and advancing to specialized topics in the second year. Students will participate in a final capstone project in partnership with local industries, showcasing their work at an annual exposition.
This Atlantic Cape project, which is grant funded through June 30, 2028, is being led by Principal Investigator and CISM Professor Dr. Bojan Zilovic, Co-Principal Investigators Department Chairman, ISAS/Business & Professor, Computer Information Systems Dr. Otto Hernandez, and Assistant Professor of Business and Esports Michele Togashi.
“We will prepare students for high-demand careers in AI and ML by equipping them with the commercial applications of AI technologies to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Students will benefit from a curriculum that will efficiently prepare them for employment in the AI field. They will earn stackable credentials in the field and can complete a certificate/degree in 12 months,” Zilovic said. “By collaborating with local industry leaders, the curriculum will align with workforce demands, ensuring that students graduate job-ready to contribute to the AI-driven economy. The significance of this project lies in its potential to increase participation in the STEM workforce, drive regional economic growth, and prepare students to address challenges in emerging AI technologies.”
Atlantic Cape faculty members who are part of this program will receive professional development that will train them on state-of-the-art equipment and innovative pedagogical methods. They will also take part in externships with various industry partners to obtain real-world experience that will be integrated into the curriculum.
Last November, the World Economic Forum predicted that AI and ML will create 97 million new jobs by this year. Despite the increasing demand for skilled machine learning developers, there is a need for more qualified professionals with formal college level credentials as technology leaders are finding it difficult to hire skilled AI and ML talent.
“Local employers, including Spencer’s Gifts, South Jersey Industries, Engineering & Information Technologies, Inc., and the Atlantic City Police Department, have expressed a critical need for skilled professionals in AI and ML at our regular Computer Information Systems annual advisory board meetings,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez sees the immense potential for sustainable growth that this program will have on the college, its students interested in seeking a career in AI and ML, and the local economy.
“I believe that through this initiative, Atlantic Cape will extend our impact to our students and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in AI and machine learning. Additionally, our local and regional industry will benefit from a well-prepared workforce with the latest knowledge and skills. We will be aligning this program with industry needs and thereby contributing to economic growth and competitiveness in our region,” Hernandez said. “Offering a degree option and certificate in AI and machine learning will provide prospective students from Atlantic and Cape May counties with opportunities to gain valuable skills that can significantly enhance their employability and earning potential.”
For more information on the Industry-Linked Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Pathways for Computer Programmers project, email Dr. Bojan Zilovic at bzilovic@atlanticcape.edu.
