Austin Community College announced a new partnership with the Round Rock-based Trellis Foundation to create an artificial intelligence-driven system connecting students to support services, personalizing interventions and preparing students for an economy more prominently featuring AI technologies in day-to-day life.
What you need to know
At the March 11 event announcing the partnership, ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart said this initiative, spearheaded by the community college and Trellis Foundation, will "lean in" to the AI-driven changes in the economy, seeking to meet the moment similar to that of previous large-scale changes such as the Industrial Revolution or the introduction of computers.
The initiative is supported by a three-year grant of $875,000 from the foundation.
What they're saying
Lowery-Hart said the system will be AI-powered but human-based, accelerating and enhancing support provided to students, without replacing the people who also work to support students.
"The question isn't whether AI will shape our future," Lowery-Hart said. "The question is whether higher education will lead in shaping how it's used. We can shape how it's used ethically with humans at the center of it, not in replacement of it."
About the program
The platform will pull together students' real-time data, connecting them to advising offices, tutoring, financial aid, mental health and wraparound services support in a proactive manner, making interventions more effective. Students who have not visited their advisor may be prompted to do so by the system, Lowery said, or recommended to attend tutoring after performing poorly academically.
According to a news release shared by ACC after the announcement, four in 10 community college students do not complete a credential such as a degree or certificate within six years, often due to financial, academic or personal challenges that do not surface in time for intervention.
Plans for the initiative also include upskilling support for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as an AI-focused workforce pathway to support AI and digital infrastructure in Central Texas.
About the organization
The Trellis Foundation is a grantmaker focused on supporting student success and completion in postsecondary education.
What's next?
Lowery-Hart said directly after ACC's spring break, the community college will pilot a small business AI challenge, as well as a leadership pilot program, to better learn how to integrate AI into daily workflows.
The AI-powered student support program is expected to start in April.
