Three CTE programs show how the Applied Co-Intelligence model builds technical skills alongside AI mastery, without losing sight of human expertise.

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the workforce, Congress is looking to career and technical education (CTE) leaders for answers. During a CTE Caucus briefing hosted by ACTE and Advance CTE, policymakers heard how AI is transforming education, workforce development, and how CTE can be leveraged to give students the skills and AI literacy they need to succeed.

In this post, Lauren Mason, PhD, discusses with Dr. Thomas Pigg how Jackson State Community College in Tennessee co-piloted a project to support sustainable AI integration that bridges classroom learning with statewide industry leadership.

How can CTE instructors cut through the noise and ensure their students are prepared for an AI-driven economy? Through our work with the Perkins READI AI Fellowship, we see firsthand what happens when the rubber meets the road. Drawing from feedback within our fellowship, we break down five lessons we’ve learned on what it takes to implement AI in CTE programs—and how programs can successfully navigate the transition.

More than 200 educators, industry leaders, students, and community members gathered in person and online for a first-of-its-kind AI Summit hosted at Jackson State Community College (JSCC).