Phoenix, February 5, 2026

A collaboration between Intel and Maricopa Community Colleges is enhancing the local workforce’s AI skills, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and boosting the economy in Phoenix, Arizona. This partnership focuses on developing industry-relevant curriculum and provides training aimed at meeting the growing demand for AI professionals, thereby supporting job creation and career opportunities in the region.

Phoenix

Phoenix Powers AI Future: Intel & Maricopa Colleges Drive Innovation

A groundbreaking collaboration between Intel and Maricopa Community Colleges is equipping the local workforce with essential artificial intelligence skills, fostering entrepreneurial spirit and boosting Phoenix’s economic landscape.

Phoenix, Arizona, continues to solidify its reputation as a dynamic hub for technological innovation and economic growth. At the heart of this progress is a commitment to developing a skilled workforce, a critical factor for sustained prosperity and the resilience of local businesses. This dedication is exemplified by the proactive partnership between the Maricopa County Community College District and Intel Corporation. This collaboration serves as a compelling model of how private industry and public education can unite to cultivate a robust talent pipeline, directly supporting Arizona’s entrepreneurs and small businesses in the rapidly evolving digital economy. Such initiatives underscore the benefits of agile educational responses to market demands, enabling the region to attract new investments and foster a climate where innovation can thrive.

The strategic alliance between Maricopa Community Colleges and Intel demonstrates a shared vision for advancing artificial intelligence (AI) education. This partnership is designed to meet the growing demand for AI-skilled professionals, ensuring that Phoenix and the broader Arizona economy remain competitive. By developing industry-relevant curriculum and providing cutting-edge training, this collaboration offers individuals the tools needed for personal achievement and contributes to the overall economic vitality of the region. Local innovation and leadership are pivotal in boosting job creation and business success, and this educational pathway is a testament to that principle.

Forging Tomorrow’s Workforce: The Intel-Maricopa Partnership

The Maricopa County Community College District launched the first Intel-designed artificial intelligence associate degree program in the United States in 2020. This pioneering program was initiated at Estrella Mountain Community College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Students in the program learn essential skills such as data collection, AI model training, coding, and explore the societal impact of AI technology. Intel provides valuable support to students through mentorships and summer internships. The district aimed to have all five courses ready for the Spring 2021 semester, allowing students to earn a Certificate of Completion and an Associate’s degree, which can be transferred to a four-year college.

This initiative expands access for students to master skills that are valuable across numerous occupations and industry sectors, aiming to improve the nationwide workforce, economy, and community. The program was developed rapidly, demonstrating the agility of the community college district in responding to business needs.

Empowering Local Talent for Economic Prosperity

The collaboration between Maricopa Community Colleges and Intel directly addresses the critical shortage of skilled AI professionals nationwide. By offering this comprehensive AI education, the partnership helps to equip Arizona’s workforce with in-demand skills, thereby supporting job creation and career opportunities within Phoenix and beyond. This focus on practical, applied AI skills, including AI for Cybersecurity and Manufacturing, ensures students gain capabilities aligned with emerging industry needs.

The Maricopa Community Colleges joined the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium in 2024, a nationwide effort to increase the number of technician-level AI professionals. Additionally, Chandler-Gilbert Community College received a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to provide scholarships for students pursuing AI-related degrees, further promoting personal achievement and accessibility to advanced education.

Innovation, Investment, and Community Synergy

Intel’s commitment extends beyond curriculum development, encompassing significant investments in education and the local community. Intel has provided community colleges with over 700 hours of AI content, including pre-packed courses, and offers professional training and guidance for faculty. This content supports the development of standalone AI certificate programs, the augmentation of existing courses with AI-focused modules, or the creation of full AI degree tracks.

In 2022, Chandler-Gilbert Community College opened an AI Incubator Lab, supported by a grant from Intel, providing state-of-the-art workstations and open-source Intel AI software tools. Intel’s long-standing presence in Arizona includes a cumulative investment exceeding $35 billion to support its operations, generating an estimated annual economic impact of $8.6 billion in Arizona. This includes spending $3.8 billion with hundreds of Arizona businesses in 2023, supporting an estimated 58,600 Arizona jobs. These private sector investments are crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation in the region.

Navigating the AI Landscape: A Pro-Growth Approach

The rapid advancement of AI technology necessitates a workforce equipped to adapt and innovate. This partnership exemplifies a proactive, pro-growth approach, enabling local businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage AI for increased productivity and efficiency. Comprehensive reskilling initiatives are crucial to prepare employees for the evolving employment landscape. Investing in these programs benefits employers by potentially saving costs associated with turnover and by providing employees with the skills needed to function more efficiently.

Arizona’s technology ecosystem is experiencing strong momentum driven by AI, with $2.1 billion in AI-related venture investment across 203 deals since 2019, indicating robust innovation and startup formation statewide. The state has also seen an 11% growth in net tech jobs, outpacing nationwide overall employment. Policies that foster such innovation and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens can further accelerate this growth, allowing businesses to thrive in the competitive AI-driven economy. The development of a statewide AI Center of Excellence by Intel and Maricopa Community Colleges further strengthens instructional capacity and modernizes academic infrastructure across all colleges, providing consistent, high-quality AI education in Arizona.

Maricopa’s Role in Building Arizona’s Future

Maricopa Community Colleges are committed to addressing the evolving needs of the workforce and providing accessible education for local residents. The district plans to launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Fall 2025 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Students can complete up to 90 credits at any of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges.

As a regional leader in workforce development, Maricopa Community Colleges’ efforts, including hosting a Teaching and Learning Summit that attracted educators from 36 schools across 20 states, underscore their dedication to preparing students for high-demand careers in technology. This commitment to educational excellence and responsiveness to industry needs positions Maricopa Community Colleges as a vital component of Arizona’s economic future, ensuring a steady supply of skilled talent for emerging industries and supporting the growth of Phoenix small business.

Phoenix’s economic future is bright, powered by the synergy between leading corporations like Intel and forward-thinking educational institutions like the Maricopa Community Colleges. This enduring partnership is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial innovation, strategic private investment, and a dedicated focus on developing a skilled workforce. By investing in AI education, Phoenix is not only preparing its residents for high-demand careers but also fostering an environment where small businesses can innovate and thrive, contributing to a resilient and prosperous economy. We encourage all residents to explore the opportunities these programs offer and to support local businesses and initiatives that drive our community forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maricopa Community Colleges and Intel partnership?

The Maricopa Community Colleges and Intel partnership is a collaboration focused on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) education, launching the first Intel-designed AI associate degree program in the United States.

When did the Intel-designed AI degree program launch?

The first two courses in the Intel-designed Artificial Intelligence & Machine-learning (AIM) program launched online in Fall 2020 at Estrella Mountain Community College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

What skills do students learn in the AI program?

Students in the AI program learn data collection, AI model training, coding, and explore the societal impact of AI technology.

What kind of support does Intel provide to the program?

Intel provides mentors and summer internships for students, along with over 700 hours of AI content, including pre-packed courses, and professional training and guidance for faculty.

What is the statewide AI Center of Excellence?

Intel is helping to develop a statewide AI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Arizona to strengthen instructional capacity, modernize academic infrastructure, and deliver consistent, high-quality AI education across all colleges.

What is the total economic impact of Intel in Arizona?

Intel’s operations in Arizona have an estimated annual economic impact of $8.6 billion.

What are the future plans for AI education at Maricopa Community Colleges?

The Maricopa Community College District plans to launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Fall 2025 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Key Features of the Maricopa Community Colleges and Intel AI Partnership

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.