The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets out a series of key objectives.
Leveraging AI to grow the economy and create jobs
NVIDIA aims to provide technical guidance, mentorship, and access to advanced AI hardware and software resources to support cutting-edge research initiatives. California will explore opportunities to support early-stage AI startups and public-private partnerships to create AI innovation zones and job creation hubs. NVIDIA is committed to exploring hackathons and design sprints that showcase practical applications of AI in California.
Training for Students, Educators and Workers
California and NVIDIA plan to collaborate to establish AI labs in higher education facilities equipped to meet the evolving needs of AI education and research. California will fund AI workforce training initiatives across education institutions and industries, and work with NVIDIA to develop teacher programs to improve AI literacy and curriculum. NVIDIA aims to create AI talent pipelines and learning paths in specific areas, such as train-the-trainer programs for teachers, and industry certifications in AI. California will recruit skills and training for state careers, such as new roles for AI specialists in government.
Fostering innovation and real-world applications across the state
NVIDIA and the State of California will support efforts to use AI technology to address local challenges, including opportunities for students to work on real-world AI projects. NVIDIA will enable access to cutting-edge AI hardware, software and cloud computing resources for education and research efforts.
Direct collaboration with the community college system
Integrate AI concepts into the curriculum so students can learn how AI applications can be used to help them land jobs in high-demand fields. Host AI workshops and bootcamps relevant to high-demand local jobs and collaborate with regional employers to develop a high-demand skilled workforce. Identify faculty for AI ambassador and faculty development programs and expand AI certification programs across the university to address the needs of local employers.
“This partnership will equip California Community Colleges and their more than two million students with industry-ready skills in AI to jumpstart their careers on day one, enhancing our colleges’ thriving and our state’s economic competitiveness. As AI transforms the future of learning, we cannot stand still. Our approach prioritizes equitable access to AI education and learning enhancements to improve the lives of underserved populations.” — Sonia Christian, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges
Following today’s announcement, the State of California is issuing a call to action to encourage other AI and technology stakeholders to join future partnerships to ensure California remains a global leader in education, innovation, research, and nurturing the workforce of the future and present. California’s world-class University of California and California State University systems will also partner with the State on these efforts in the future.
