Laney College Launches Bay Area AI Center of Excellence

                 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.

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:

• Oakland Councilmember Rowena Brown

• Oakland Councilmember Charlene Wang

• Dr. José Ramón Lizárraga, Learning Scientist & Designer, UC Berkeley School of Education

• Brian Gonzalez, Executive-In-Residence, Jobs for the Future (JFF)

• Laura Combs, Manager, BAYWORK

• Michele Peregrin, Bay Area Community College Consortium Regional Director, focusing on Regional Joint Ventures

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.

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.↓