For just $80, students at City Colleges of Chicago can now enroll in a Generative AI class. The institution is positioned as one of only five nationwide to lead a major AWS Machine Learning University (AWS-MLU) initiative. While cutting-edge AI education often remains exclusive and expensive, City Colleges of Chicago is making it highly affordable and broadly accessible through strategic partnerships and targeted programs. The Midwest AI/Machine Learning Initiative, powered by AWS, supplies cloud learning environments to faculty and classrooms at no cost, according to City Colleges of Chicago. The Midwest AI/Machine Learning Initiative democratizes access to high-demand AI skills, creating a vital talent pipeline for the Midwest and fostering substantial regional economic development.

What is the City Colleges of Chicago AI program curriculum?

  • The Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Development Advanced Certificate program requires 31 hours, according to the City Colleges of Chicago catalog.
  • Core offerings include CIS 111 Computer Operations (3 hours), CIS 125 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 hours), and CIS 205 Machine Learning Essentials (3 hours).
  • City Colleges of Chicago will also offer a Generative AI class focused on 'Prompt Engineering for Everyone – Non-Coding', as detailed by City Colleges of Chicago, alongside 'Accelerated and Machine Learning for Leaders – Generative AI'.

The curriculum provides both foundational AI/ML certification and cutting-edge Generative AI courses. The curriculum caters to a broad spectrum of learners seeking immediate career relevance. The strategic inclusion of non-coding options, like 'Prompt Engineering for Everyone,' broadens the AI talent pool beyond traditional developers, integrating AI skills across various industries and job functions.

Democratizing AI: A National Model

The $80 Generative AI class, coupled with City Colleges of Chicago's status as one of only five AWS-MLU lead institutions nationwide, is a strategic move by AWS to democratize AI education. The democratization of AI education cultivates a new, diverse talent pipeline, bypassing traditional, expensive university routes for advanced training. AWS's provision of a "no cost" cloud learning environment for faculty and classrooms is a significant, direct investment in CCC's infrastructure and educational capabilities. The provision positions City Colleges of Chicago as a critical node in AWS's broader talent development strategy for the Midwest.