El Camino College Selected for 2025–2026 National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) Mentorship Program
El Camino College (ECC) is proud to announce its selection to participate in the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program of the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC). This prestigious opportunity positions El Camino College among a select group of institutions nationwide working to expand access to artificial intelligence education. NAAIC officially announced the selected colleges in its September newsletter.
Through this nationwide program, El Camino College will partner with NAAIC to develop and launch an associate degree in Artificial Intelligence, designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in one of the fastest-growing fields in today’s workforce.
“Our long-term vision is to establish a comprehensive, industry-aligned AI program that prepares students for emerging careers in artificial intelligence across sectors such as business, technology, and public service,” explains Computer Information Systems professor Hac Le, of ECC’s Business Department. “By building out stackable Certificates and a future associate degree in AI, we aim to offer a clear pathway from foundational knowledge to specialized skills in areas like Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, and AI Ethics.”
Among El Camino College’s goals is to become a regional leader in community college artificial intelligence education, supporting not only career readiness but also transfer opportunities to four-year institutions. ECC seeks to engage industry partners to offer work-based learning, internships, and real-world projects, helping students gain practical experience and increasing their employability.
According to Ketmany Sundara, Acting Dean of the Business, Design and Applied Technology Division at El Camino College, joining the National Applied AI Consortium would provide the collaborative platform, guidance, and national network needed to accelerate our program’s growth. Consortium membership will help El Camino stay on the cutting edge of AI education, access shared curriculum resources, faculty training, and industry insights, and allow us to contribute to shaping equitable, responsible AI practices in community college programs nationwide. It’s an essential step in ensuring our program meets the evolving demands of both students and employers in an AI-driven economy.
“Being selected for the NAAIC Mentorship Program is an important milestone for El Camino College,” expresses Sundara. “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing innovative, future-focused programs that open doors for our students and strengthen our community’s workforce.”