Community Colleges in Chicago Prepare for AI’s Impact on the Workforce

As artificial intelligence (AI) gains prominence in the workforce, community colleges throughout Chicago and its suburbs are actively equipping students for a future shaped by AI. Some educators in these areas are engaging with AI technology at the national level to bring back insights to students.

Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills has announced the appointment of Ryen Nagle, the vice president of Academic Affairs, to the American Association of Community Colleges’ Commission on the Future of Work. This organization serves as an advocacy group for community colleges nationwide. Nagle expressed his interest in this role due to recent innovations in both workforce and educational sectors. His term started on July 1 and will conclude on June 30, 2029.

“One thing we’re trying to look at is, what are the AI tools that our employers need for different fields? Because it varies across fields. And how do we get access to that for our faculty and students so they can enter the workforce ready to use AI in the ways that that workforce is interested in and finds value in?” Nagle stated.

The committee’s goal is to identify what cultural needs employers have regarding AI use and how to employ this technology ethically. The first committee meeting is scheduled for November. Nagle shared that the committee aims to prepare students to use AI across various fields, including cybersecurity and information technology, where AI usage is becoming commonplace.

He emphasized the importance of delving deeper into AI discussions, considering its impact on both the workforce and everyday life.

“Work is important to the experience of our lives and to the health of our communities and our families. Work is not only productive, but it gives us purpose as well, so I hope that human side of AI is a part of the conversation as well because I think it’s important for our students to benefit from thinking it through that lens,” Nagle shared.

In addition to Moraine Valley Community College, City Colleges of Chicago are preparing students for AI’s workforce integration. In August 2026, it launched the first college credit AI degree program at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago’s Dunning neighborhood, offering both virtual and in-person classes starting this fall. This was introduced by Ayoka Noelle Mota Samuels, the associate vice chancellor of technology sector strategy.

“We’re doing that for AI so that people can be ready and can have the skills and abilities necessary to be more employable,” Mota Samuels said. “That is our responsibility for folks in our regions, that we provide these types of opportunities and training for them.”

City Colleges of Chicago has integrated AI and information technology skills into various programs over recent years. Mota Samuels mentioned the opportunity for students to explore information technology through the Tech Launchpad initiative at Kennedy-King College in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, while Wilbur Wright College offers an advanced certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Development.

Nagle highlighted that AI conversations at community colleges will better equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the workplace. However, preparing students for an AI-influenced future goes beyond technological usage.

Laura Lauzen-Collins, a psychology professor at Moraine Valley Community College, incorporates AI discussions in her classroom. She stresses the need for students to master foundational skills and embrace ethical and responsible practices.

“You need to know how to use the tools that are being used broadly in that field and know enough to not only be able to use a tool, but to also know when a tool is wrong,” Lauzen-Collins advised.

Despite uncertainties about AI’s future impact, Lauzen-Collins hopes her students are prepared.

“No one knows for sure what’s going to happen … but we do talk about it, and we do talk about if you’re preparing for a career where you spending the entire career behind computer, those are the ones that are most at risk as AI continues to get better,” she remarked.