As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries around the world, Laney College is moving beyond conversations about AI literacy and leading the next step: building AI fluency through hands-on learning, ethical understanding, and real-world application.
Following recent international conversations on the future of AI education, Laney College once again welcomed educators, industry leaders, technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and global partners from 5 different countries to explore how AI is changing the way people learn, work, and solve problems.
The discussion highlighted Laney’s growing role as a leader in AI education and its commitment to preparing students not only to understand AI, but to apply it responsibly.
AI department chair Tuan Nguyen reflected on the development of Laney College’s Artificial Intelligence program and recognized the leadership of Laney College President Becky Opsata and Dean of Career Education Ally Thomas in supporting the development and growth of AI education. Since its launch, the program has expanded into a comprehensive pathway with 10 AI courses, including AI Fluency and Prompting, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, AI Ethics, Deep Learning, Applied Generative AI, and Natural Language Processing. The AI department is focusing on “Applied Physical AI Systems” and “Applied AI Agents”.
A major highlight of the event was the introduction of Laney College’s partnership with Feather Robotics. CEO Hoa showcased a humanoid robot that will bring emerging AI technology directly into the classroom, allowing students to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and physical AI systems.
The partnership represents a larger shift in AI education—from simply learning about technology to understanding how to use it to solve real challenges and to elevate the human component.
Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasized that the future of AI is not limited to coding or technical careers. AI fluency requires critical thinking, creativity, ethical decision-making, and the ability to identify meaningful problems worth solving.
Nguyen explained that challenges such as bias and AI hallucinations cannot be completely eliminated, but students can learn how to recognize limitations, improve systems, and apply human judgment when working with AI tools. These conversations are embedded throughout Laney’s curriculum to prepare students to become responsible AI practitioners.
Industry executive Brian Gonzalez emphasized that AI is transforming every field and encouraged participants to view AI as a tool for innovation rather than simply a technology trend. As organizations continue adopting and implementing AI, individuals who understand how to work with these systems will play an important role in shaping their future use.
Peralta Community College District Chief Technology and Information Systems Officer, Antoine Mehouelley, also shared how AI is already being implemented to improve district-wide operations, including student enrollment verification, cybersecurity, data analysis, and workflow efficiency. Their work demonstrates how AI can support employees, improve services, and create new opportunities.
President Becky Opsata reinforced the unique role of California community colleges in preparing diverse learners for the future—whether students are transferring to universities, entering careers, advancing professionally, or returning to education. Through accessible programs and Career Technical Education pathways, Dean Ally Thomas emphasized Laney College continues to create opportunities for students of all backgrounds to develop skills for an AI-driven workforce.
The event reinforced a shared message: the future of AI is not only about technology—it is about people.
Through innovative curriculum, global collaboration, industry partnerships, robotics, and applied learning experiences, Laney College is helping students move from AI literacy to AI fluency and empowering the next generation of workforce to create solutions for their communities, businesses, and the world.
The discussion was moderated by Raya Zion, former Employment Services Manager at Laney College, who facilitated an engaging conversation through thoughtful questions and dialogue. She reminded us that AI is advancing rapidly and, as new tools are introduced, is constantly reshaping learning, careers, and the skills needed for the future workforce.