News Summary
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) has launched an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences degree program focused on artificial intelligence (AI). This new curriculum includes specialized courses in programming and AI topics, along with a capstone that promotes collaboration with local businesses for practical AI applications. Supported by a three-year NSF grant, the initiative aims to bridge academic studies and industry needs, preparing students for careers in the emerging field of AI.
Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is launching a new Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences degree program aimed at preparing students for careers in artificial intelligence (AI). This announcement was made on August 18, 2025, marking a significant expansion of the college’s educational offerings in a growing technological field.
The newly established degree program will require students to complete a total of 64 credits. The curriculum includes eight courses focused on computer programming, with four specifically centered on AI topics. In addition, students will complete five general education courses and select electives that concentrate on computer science or mathematics. The comprehensive design of the program intends to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in various AI roles.
Alongside the degree program, GRCC is also introducing an innovative capstone course. This course is designed to foster collaboration between students and local businesses, enabling students to apply their AI knowledge directly to real-world challenges. The capstone initiative is supported by a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), emphasizing the importance of practical experience in education.
Kristi Haik, the dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math at GRCC, has highlighted the college’s long-established relationships with local businesses. This new program is aimed at helping these businesses understand and implement AI technology while simultaneously providing students with hands-on experience, ensuring they are prepared for the workforce.
GRCC is one of only 45 institutions across the nation to receive funding from the NSF grant, which recognizes the growing significance of AI in various sectors. The college received support from 20 local businesses that submitted letters endorsing the grant application, reflecting the community’s commitment to building a skilled workforce in AI.
Each of the participating businesses has agreed to collaborate with students to develop practical AI projects during the capstone course. These projects will last for seven weeks and will focus on tasks that are immediately applicable in the business context, such as creating chatbots, automating social media management, and analyzing customer data patterns.
Students will work in small teams to leverage data provided by their business partners in order to create effective AI applications. This collaborative approach is designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and industry needs, enhancing the employability of GRCC graduates.
Over the next three years, GRCC anticipates enrolling approximately 60 students in the capstone course. The program aims not only to bolster student learning but also to support local businesses in navigating and implementing AI technologies, ultimately fueling growth and innovation within the community.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in higher education to align curricula with industry demands, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence that are rapidly evolving. By integrating real-world applications within their educational offerings, institutions like GRCC aim to prepare students for a competitive workforce while addressing the needs of local employers.
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Additional Resources
- WOOD TV: GRCC Launches AI Degree Program
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- FOX 17: GVSU to Offer AI Degree Programs
- Google Search: Artificial Intelligence Degree Program
- MLive: Surge in AI Job Postings
- Google Scholar: Artificial Intelligence Education
- WZZM 13: GRCC AI Incubator
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Men’s Soccer Event
- Google News: Artificial Intelligence News
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GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
