Nathan Lim, a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, dedicated his summer to creating an artificial intelligence tool designed to help peers analyze the ethical and social justice dimensions of their senior projects.

Lim is among numerous college students in California who are diving into AI theory and its practical uses, preparing themselves for a dynamic job market. In light of this trend, universities across California are striving to enhance their AI programs and degrees to meet the growing interest.

In an effort to support these initiatives, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a novel statewide collaboration with Nvidia, a prominent developer of AI software, to integrate AI curricula, resources, and opportunities into California’s public higher education sector. This initiative will initially focus on community colleges, with plans to expand to the California State University and University of California systems in the future, as stated in the governor’s announcement.

With these partnerships, students will gain access to the technologies employed by leading tech firms while also acquiring essential skills in their use, as pointed out by Alex Stack, a deputy communications director for the governor.

Lim, who is pursuing a dual major in music and computer science with an emphasis on AI, recognizes the benefits AI could provide in music education, such as making learning instruments more accessible.

“Imagine having an AI tutor to provide immediate answers and feedback on your playing,” Lim suggested. “This could democratize music education for countless people who can’t afford expensive private lessons.”

His own journey into music was shaped by a middle school teacher and online tutorials, as his family was not in a position to pay for private lessons. While the internet proved instrumental in his musical development, he believes AI has the potential to usher in a new wave of technological advancement.

“It feels reminiscent of the early days of the internet – not something I personally experienced, but people were skeptical then too,” Lim commented. “Now, it’s essential to our lives, and I think AI is headed in that direction.”

In his current data science course, Lim utilizes Google Colab, which features AI capabilities that assist in producing code when prompted. He mentions, “Today’s learning emphasizes asking the right questions over rote memorization, reflecting the nature of AI.”

Lim’s interest in AI was influenced by his father’s background in computer science, which encouraged him to explore coding early on—a decision that shaped his career aspirations amidst the swiftly advancing AI landscape.
“When discussing why I want to specialize in AI during my studies, I mentioned, ‘If I don’t, there’s a risk my position might be taken by someone who does.’”

Preparing students for careers in AI has become a primary focus for many California institutions, especially since such roles often demand advanced degrees. Community colleges and universities are strategizing to create pathways for students aiming for higher qualifications while providing foundational AI exposure at the undergraduate level.
Employment in the fields of computer and mathematics, which encompasses AI, is anticipated to grow by 12.9 percent over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Companies like Meta and Google are already offering AI jobs with salaries surpassing six figures, some exceeding $200,000 annually.

Angel Fuentes, the dean overseeing business and workforce initiatives at Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, stresses the need for community colleges to promote AI literacy across various disciplines. He believes that understanding AI is crucial as the technology increasingly intersects with sectors such as healthcare, the arts, and business.
Additionally, Fuentes has noticed a rise in “blue-collar AI” roles—positions that involve working with AI technologies without requiring advanced degrees. One example he cites is a prompt engineer, who formulates inputs for AI platforms like ChatGPT.

In response to the growing need for accessible AI education, eight California community colleges currently offer degrees or certificates in AI, with plans for more to follow. These programs emphasize skills in programming and entrepreneurial ventures. “The fast pace of change necessitates preparation for our students,” Fuentes emphasized.

The partnership with Nvidia aims to develop AI-related programs, resources, and dedicated spaces in community colleges for educators and students alike. Louis Stewart, Nvidia’s head of strategic initiatives, indicated the partnership will begin as a three-year initiative focused on “AI-enablement” and the importance of “reskilling and upskilling” those transitioning in their careers.

Nvidia is covering the costs for educating students and faculty on AI, without financial assistance from the state. Stack noted that community colleges present an excellent starting point for such initiatives due to the challenges they face accessing resources.

Despite only 20% of community college attendees transferring to four-year institutions, officials aspire to inspire students to continue their AI studies or engage in AI-related roles right after community college.

A significant objective for many in the community college system is to ensure students grasp both the ethical applications of AI and the relevant terminology, as well as its practical uses. Some integration efforts have faced challenges due to a lack of clear communication, as seen with a tech start-up and San Diego Unified, which saw confusion and setbacks after failing to establish clear expectations regarding AI technologies.

The push for AI education emphasizes that “AI is here to stay,” and various sectors should “welcome it,” according to Nasreen Rahim, a professor at Evergreen Valley College who trains instructors on effective tech use.

“You can’t simply ignore AI and expect it to go away,” Rahim stated. “An open mindset is crucial.”

The California community college system has introduced new academic integrity guidelines for AI to clarify expectations regarding the responsible use of AI technology for students.

At Foothill College, biomedical engineering student Brian Sawaya has connected with peers passionate about tech, including AI. He highlighted the determination and drive of community college students, noting their underrepresentation in access to opportunities.

As president of the college robotics team, Sawaya integrates AI to enhance the functionality of robots. He looks forward to transferring to a four-year institution next year, where he plans to delve deeper into wearable technology and prosthetics.

Additionally, as indicated by Newsom, both the UC and California State University systems are anticipated to benefit from AI partnerships in the foreseeable future.

In September, the Cal State Board of Trustees revealed a request for $7 million for AI infrastructure in the 2025-26 budget.

Currently, four universities within the Cal State system offer AI programs: Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State, San Jose State, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. A newly formed CSU Generative AI Committee will provide overall guidance on developing AI initiatives across campuses.

At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, students in the Computer Science and AI Club gather weekly to learn about AI fundamentals from their peers.

“This year, my goal as president is to cultivate an environment where knowledgeable individuals can share insights with eager learners,” said Leo Horwitz, a computer science senior.

The club provides workshops focused on AI foundations and is venturing into original AI application projects, such as generating code and automating games. They collaborate with local businesses for funding and receive support from the student government.

Horwitz expressed optimism about a potential collaboration with a leading AI firm.

“A partnership with industry can be very beneficial as academia strives to keep pace with rapid advancements,” he noted.

Professor Franz Kurfess offers opportunities for students to engage with industry through his courses and leads a project involving AI’s impact on student senior projects.

“Collaborating with outside organizations allows students to experience the practical application of AI and familiarizes them with professional standards,” Kurfess stated.

Moreover, students and faculty at Cal Poly recently collaborated with CalMatters to create Digital Democracy—an AI-driven platform for tracking legislative processes.

Across the UC system, leaders are focused on embedding AI across various fields while considering the technology’s potential drawbacks. A UC committee established a set of “responsible AI principles,” which include maintaining transparency, safety, and privacy in AI use.

Chris Mattmann, UCLA’s chief data and AI officer, emphasizes the need to innovate and experiment within ethical boundaries while navigating advancements in generative AI. He highlights the importance of developing AI literacy across all disciplines as UCLA has introduced enterprise accounts for ChatGPT, granting access to select student groups and faculty.

“The aim is to demystify AI, making its implications and opportunities clear while underscoring the importance of ethical considerations,” Mattmann remarked.

Meanwhile, private institutions are also stepping up to offer AI opportunities. Some, like Stanford, have created minors in AI, while USC is developing a new AI major to meet the overwhelming demand for AI-focused education. According to Nenad Medvidovi?, chair of the computer science department at USC, many students are drawn to the field either through curiosity or the desire to ensure job security post-graduation.

“I’ve witnessed various technological advancements evolve over the years,” Medvidovi? shared. “However, nothing has approached the unprecedented pace of growth we are observing with AI and machine learning today.”