Introduction
BayICT has gained a lot of momentum over the last quarter. And we expect to carry that forward in next quarter and beyond. This newsletter covers just the high points; for a more complete picture, visit and bookmark baccc.org/bayict.
It was great to see artificial intelligence and data analytics as the focus of the last BayICT Partnership meeting, and we had a successful launch of the AIDA project—both covered in detail below. You’ll also find info about the Tech Talks series, tailored to provide valuable tech and career insights to you students. And we’re happy to be participating in the WASTC Winter Conference, which is chock full of professional development opportunities. So much more… but for now, I’d like to wish you and yours a fabulous holiday season!
Best Regards,
Ray
Quarterly Partnership Meeting
The BayICT Partnership quarterly meeting on November 17th focused on the region’s Artificial Intelligence – Data Analytics (AIDA) Project. We sought industry/employer insight into what we’re learning about entry level jobs in data analytics and AI and how to prepare the people to fill them.
The AIDA Project will establish (1) Laney College as a flagship college and industry-supported AI Center of Excellence with stackable certificates and an AS degree for other colleges to model; and (2) DA model curriculum to help colleges implement and update existing DA programs. Industry partners include Intel, IBM, Alteryx, Google AI, AWS Machine Learning University, and aiEDU.
For over a year, BayICT has promoted the idea that “blue collar AI” provided an entry point to AI careers for community college students in data analytics programs. While the AIDA project builds the AI components, existing data analytics programs can be promoted and enhanced to meet the demand for blue collar AI jobs – data farmers, miners, and welders – now.
AIDA RJV Update
The Artificial Intelligence / Data Analytics (AIDA) RJV is well underway this fall.
The Regional Joint Venture(RJV) proposed standing up an AI flagship college and Laney College, under the leadership of Angel Fuentes Figueroa (Dean of Math & Sciences), has been making significant strides in developing a model curriculum that will be available for the region. The industry validated curriculum is currently progressing through Laney’s curriculum approval process and will be out for regional recommendation in the coming months via the Regional CTE program recommendation process.
For more info, email Dan Montoya, Dan@dan66training.com
Huge Thanks to Laney College Faculty
Many thanks to the faculty at Laney College for the continued work in moving this project forward – Tuan Nguyen, Kyla Oh, Nick Shaposhnikov, Derrick Smith, and Johnnie Williams.
Be sure to check out the AIDA project webpage to stay up to date on all the latest news. Ready to join the effort? Let us know at the bottom of the webpage by submitting your contact information.
AIDA Collaboration Has Been Extraordinary!
This project has captured the interest of many across business, industry, and academia. The project was presented at California Community College Association for Occupational Education (CCCAOE) fall conference in October, Afrotech Conference 2022 in November, and is slated to be presented at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Workforce Development Institute January 2023.
Cybersecurity Update
(ISC)² is offering free training for the new Certified in Cybersecurity certificate for a limited time. Not only is the training free, but there is no cost for the exam. Those who earn the (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity demonstrate to employers that they have the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for an entry-level cybersecurity role and are on the path toward qualifying for the highly-recognized CISSP.
One Million Certified in Cybersecurity, is an (ISC)² global initiative to help close the cybersecurity workforce gap and is being offered to the first million people entering the field for the first time. For more information, see the announcement here.
NextGen Cyber Talent is expanding its program to offer grants for completing cybersecurity courses to students at ALL Bay Area community colleges. During the year-long pilot at CCSF, NextGen awarded over $30,000 to students who completed cybersecurity courses with a B or better and/or successfully earned an industry certification. For more information, cybersecurity students and faculty are invited to attend a virtual infosession December 7, 2022 at 4:00.
Reminder! Now is the time to apply for 2023 cybersecurity internships! The BayICT team has done the search and found 16 internship openings here in the Bay Area. Get the details here.
New Program Update
Cabrillo’s IT Institute has launched a series of 8 courses for students to complete in just 11 weeks with daily and weekly support from IT Institute faculty and staff. Plus, get career and life skills coaching along the way! To learn more, click here.
RVPA Updates
The Regional Virtual Production Academy (RVPA) project has achieved its first significant milestone. The collaborative VP Fundamentals Certificate of Achievement was approved by the 6 member colleges and the BACCC. VP Fundamentals, offered as a part of the Regional Virtual Production Academy (RPVA) collaborative, prepares students for entry-level careers in virtual production. Students will apply skills from film production, computer graphics, digital imaging, visual effects and game engines to the virtual production process. RVPA colleges include Berkeley City College, Diablo Valley College, Laney College, Mission College, Ohlone College, and Santa Rosa Junior College. Learn more here.
Tech Talk Highlights
We’ve had amazing Tech Talk speakers this past quarter!
- September Tech Talk “How To Set Yourself Apart as a Great Entry Level Tech Hire”
- October Tech Talk “The Unique and Personal Journey of A Community College Cyber Security Alum”
- November Tech Talk “A Fireside Chat with CCSF Alum, Soledad Antelada Toledano: Making your way into the cybersecurity workforce”
“Stanford Digital Education is partnering with the Bay Area Community College Consortium to provide in-person and virtual instruction programs to deliver the Google Career Certificates across the Bay Area. And the SkillUp Google Career Certificate program at Rutgers University provides alumni with free access to the Google Career Certificates through their career services office.”
Student Spotlight
Have a student you would like to brag about?
If you have an inspiring story that you would like to share, please fill out this form.
WINTER EDUCATORS' CONFERENCE
The WASTC-hosted Winter ICT Educators’ Conference is returning for year #8!
Theme: Celebrating Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Cost: $50 per Attendee
Includes: Presentations, Chat Room Discussions, & Raffles
Register Today!
RoadShow
BayICT will be doing a roadshow to reconnect with ICT/DM administrators and faculty at all of our 28 member community colleges. Our objective is to highlight resources and support available via BayICT and also to learn more about how BayICT can better support individual colleges.
Already have a meeting in mind? Share the meeting details via this link and we’ll be sure to join.
Upcoming Events
January 5 and 6, 2023 – WASTC ICT Educators’ Conference
January 8, 2023 – A Cyversity & CLTC End-of-Year Reception
February 16, 2023 at 6:00 – Virtual Production Tech Talk
March 23, 2023 at 4:30 – Partnership Quarterly Meeting (Cybersecurity)