AI Core Featured in Forbes for Transforming the College-to-Career Pipeline in the AI Age

The University of Arizona’s AI Core, based in the College of Information Science, has been recognized by Forbes as a leading model for how higher education can prepare students for an artificial intelligence-driven workforce.

In its story published on September 10, 2025, Forbes underscores the urgency for universities to demonstrate real, measurable pathways from education to employment, particularly as federal funding like the expanded Workforce Pell Grant will soon prioritize programs with proven job alignment. Among the recommendations, Forbes highlights AI Core as an example of workplace AI experience done right.

“The University of Arizona’s AI Core program offers intensive internships that pair with coursework,” the story says, citing the program as a model for ensuring graduates leave college with practical, career-ready skills because “[c]lassroom exposure isn’t enough.”

Building Skills That Matter

Launched to serve as both a hub of innovation and a training ground for the next generation of AI leaders, AI Core offers undergraduate students immersive, project-based experiences with campus and community partners. Students work 15 hours a week on real-world projects that range from developing a digital twin of Biosphere 2 that helps address issues of food security and atmosphere production, to building a virtual reality experience and mobile tool for Pima County Attractions and Tourism.

Ash Black, director of AI and industry, describes AI Core as a place where students transform learning into leadership: “Our students don’t just learn AI in theory, they practice it daily. They’re gaining in-demand technical skills, but just as importantly, they’re learning how to communicate, collaborate and build responsibly in fast-moving environments.”

Expanding Impact Beyond Campus

While students gain critical skills, AI Core also delivers tangible benefits to Arizona’s economy and community partners. Through workshops, consulting partnerships and technical expertise, AI Core student teams have supported organizations like the Arizona Small Business Association and Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce while also delivering insights to tech-forward organizations such as the Arizona Broadband Council.

“We see AI Core as a two-way bridge,” says Black. “Students gain invaluable experience by working on projects with real stakeholders, while our partners gain access to cutting-edge technology and a talent pipeline that will shape the region’s future workforce.”

Recognition That Resonates

Being highlighted in Forbes underscores how AI Core’s student-focused model is preparing graduates for the future of work. With employers increasingly turning to skills-based hiring, programs like AI Core demonstrate how universities can close the gap between classroom learning and career readiness.

“This recognition highlights what makes Arizona distinct. We’re not waiting for the future of AI, we’re building it now—with our students at the center,” says Black.

As federal funding models shift and AI continues to reshape the labor market, the University of Arizona’s AI Core stands as a national example of how experiential learning can empower students, strengthen communities and redefine higher education’s role in an AI age.
 

Learn more about AI Core at aicore.arizona.edu, or explore ways to support College of Information Science student initiatives through donations.