Piedmont Community College received a $475,000 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076), awarded October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2028. The FutureForce: AI Cyber Workforce Initiative develops industry-aligned curricula at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to address the Research Triangle region's growing demand for skilled technical workers. Key deliverables include recruiting and credentialing highly qualified faculty in AI and cybersecurity disciplines; developing an interdisciplinary curriculum with new courses leading to an Associate's Degree and stackable industry-recognized certification programs; and creating hands-on learning experiences through laboratory work, capstone projects, and internship placements with local industry partners.
The curriculum emphasizes practical competencies identified by employers, including prompt engineering, generative AI, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, AI governance, and cybersecurity tools. By prioritizing work-based learning, the initiative bridges the gap between academic instruction and real-world application, enabling two-year college students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for entry-level technical positions in the rapidly evolving AI and cybersecurity sectors.