San Jose, CA (June 12, 2025) —The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation (SVLGF) in partnership with the Foothill-DeAnza Community College District has published a new whitepaper detailing the development of an innovative AI and machine learning curriculum for community colleges in the greater Bay Area.
This initiative, led by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s Institute for California AI Policy (I-CAP) and the SVLG Foundation, in partnership with the Foothill-DeAnza Community College District, addresses the critical AI talent shortage in the Bay Area while also focusing on increasing diversity in the tech sector.
Two researchers from SVLG’s Institute for California AI Policy (I-CAP) spearheaded the development of a new STEM curriculum focused on AI and machine learning. The fellows collaborated closely with educators at Foothill College and DeAnza College to research, develop and implement the curriculum during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Key findings include:
- The 13,500+ AI talent shortage in the Bay Area and how community colleges can help
- First-of-its-kind AI courses and degrees designed for direct workforce entry
- How expanding access to AI education can diversify Silicon Valley’s tech sector
“AI technology is propelling a fourth industrial revolution and we’re seeing this breakthrough technology reshaping industries and creating new opportunities. Against this backdrop, I see a compelling business imperative to prepare the next generation of students from all academic backgrounds to compete in the AI revolution and ensure that Silicon Valley remains the global epicenter of innovation,” said Ahmad Thomas, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. “We are proud of the collaborative research and first-of-its-kind AI curriculum developed by our first cohort of I-CAP fellows and Foothill-DeAnza Community College District.”
The Foothill-De Anza District Chancellor, Lee Lambert noted “It is important for educational institutions to engage with artificial intelligence on our own terms, to support our colleges’ missions and to foster an inclusive learning experience. This collaboration between the Silicon Valley Leadership group and our district faculty and administrators ensures that we can help our students be ready for emerging 21st century careers.”
The I-CAP AI Fellowship Program builds upon SVLGF’s successful efforts to facilitate company-college collaborations since 2018 to reskill and upskill thousands of students in various technical fields. This new AI-focused curriculum is designed to further enhance these efforts, helping students from diverse backgrounds to be well-prepared for the evolving job market.
Announced in December 2023, I-CAP’s mission is to help facilitate public-private partnerships needed for developing policy and regulatory AI solutions that are informed, balanced, responsible, and effective through the convening of educators, policymakers, and industry leaders.
