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    Laney College Launches Bay Area AI Center of Excellence

    Laney College Launches Bay Area AI Center of Excellence

    Picture of Chanda Brewer
    Chanda Brewer
    7 min read
    Laney College opened its doors to innovation on Friday as students, faculty, industry partners, and community leaders gathered for the official Bay Area Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence Open House. Held in the newly activated AI hub in Building F, Room 254, the event marked a major step forward in Laney’s commitment to offering accessible, industry-aligned AI education.

    AI Center of Excellence Tuan 3 AI Center of Excellence - Building F, Room 254&nbsp;
                     Tuan Nguyen, Department Chair, Laney College AI Department                                        AI Center of Excellence

    The open house was hosted by Raya Zion, Employment Services Project Manager, and Tuan Nguyen, Department Chair of the Laney College AI Department, who welcomed attendees and introduced the Center’s mission: preparing diverse Bay Area learners for the AI-driven jobs of today and tomorrow.

    Exploring the Future of AI at Laney

    The event began with arrivals and networking, giving guests an opportunity to tour the new space, explore hands-on demonstrations, and learn about Laney’s state-approved AI curriculum, which includes certificates in Applied Generative AI, Deep Learning (DL), and Natural Language Processing (NLP).

    Leadership Remarks

    Attendees heard greetings from:

    • Louis Quinlden, President, Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees

    • Alejandria Tomas, Dean of Career & Technical Education, Laney College

    • Tuan Nguyen, Department Chair, Laney College AI Department

    Dean Tomas highlighted the importance of ensuring community college students have pathways into high-demand technology careers, especially in fields where skilled workers are urgently needed.

    This is where access meets opportunity. AI is reshaping every industry, and Laney is committed to preparing our students not only to participate in that future, but to lead it.

    Alejandria Tomas
    Dean of Career & Technical Education

    AI Center of Excellence Ally AI Center of Excellence panel AI Center of Excellence speakers

    A Powerful Panel on AI, Equity & Workforce

    The open house featured a dynamic panel discussion with leaders from public policy, education, and workforce development, including:

    Panelists explored how AI is shaping the future of work in Oakland and across the Bay Area, the importance of ethical AI adoption, and the need to prepare local residents for careers in emerging technologies.

    AI Center of Excellence speakers 2

    A Center Designed for Community Impact

    The event drew strong interest from students and partners eager to explore AI-driven career pathways. Laney’s AI Center of Excellence will serve as a training hub, innovation space, and collaboration site for educators, employers, and learners across the region.

    The Center supports certificate pathways that include:

    • Applied Generative AI

    • Deep Learning

    • Natural Language Processing

    with foundational courses in machine learning, AI ethics, and essential math for applied AI.

    Learn More

    Explore Laney’s AI programs, certificates, and enrollment options:
    → laney.edu/ai

    Watch a recording of the event below.↓