TLDR: Central Piedmont Community College has received a $474,038 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance its artificial intelligence degree program. This three-year initiative, named ‘Generating Artificial Intelligence Talent (GAIT),’ aims to train skilled AI workers for Charlotte’s rapidly growing technology sector, addressing a significant regional demand for AI-proficient professionals.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) has been awarded a substantial $474,038 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to significantly bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) degree program. This crucial funding is earmarked for developing a robust pipeline of local technology talent to meet the escalating demand for AI-skilled workers in the Charlotte market.
The three-year initiative, officially dubbed ‘Generating Artificial Intelligence Talent (GAIT),’ is designed to comprehensively enhance the college’s AI curriculum, provide advanced training for faculty, deepen strategic partnerships with industry leaders, and offer robust support services for students. The overarching goal is to ensure graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to enter Charlotte’s dynamic and expanding job market.
Dr. Heather Hill, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Central Piedmont, emphasized the transformative potential of the grant. “This grant allows us to take our highly sought after AI program to the next level,” Dr. Hill stated. “We are focused on aligning instruction with industry needs here in the county, supporting our faculty with the tools they need to lead and accelerate in this space, and ensuring our students are prepared to step into these emerging careers with confidence and competence.”
Central Piedmont launched its associate in applied science degree in AI in Fall 2024, marking it as one of the pioneering programs of its kind in North Carolina. Currently, more than 100 students are enrolled in the program, which is specifically structured to equip them with practical, in-demand skills for AI-related careers without necessitating a four-year bachelor’s degree.
The NSF grant, awarded through the Advanced Technological Education program, directly responds to a pronounced regional need for AI expertise. Data indicates a significant surge in Charlotte’s high-tech job sector, with a 21.3% increase between 2021 and 2022—more than double the national average. Furthermore, a Spring 2024 survey revealed that 88% of regional employers are actively hiring AI-skilled workers, and a full 100% anticipate expanding these roles in the near future.
“Technology is transforming every industry,” Dr. Hill added. “Our goal is to ensure those jobs are filled by people who are trained here, live here, and are ready to lead here.”
The GAIT project will strategically expand the AI program across four critical areas: curriculum development, faculty readiness, employer engagement, and student advising. The college also plans to introduce industry-driven credentials, enabling students to acquire specialized skills and enter the workforce more swiftly.
Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of in-demand roles, including artificial intelligence programmers, data analysts, machine learning technicians, and prompt engineers. These positions offer attractive annual starting salaries ranging from $60,000 to $75,000, with the potential to exceed $130,000 within a few years.
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Central Piedmont, which serves over 44,000 students annually and offers nearly 300 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, plays a vital role in Mecklenburg County’s economic landscape. The expansion of its AI program further solidifies this role by empowering students to secure high-wage, future-ready jobs and providing local employers with access to a highly skilled, homegrown workforce. “This is not just a degree,” Dr. Hill concluded. “It is a workforce solution and an investment in our region’s long-term competitiveness.”
