Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is proud to announce a new collaboration with Amazon-Machine Learning University (MLU) Educators Consortium and Amazon-Machine Learning University Transformation Alliance, a nationwide initiative helping college faculty integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into their curriculum, and work with executive leadership to build capacity for engaging AI in teaching and learning.
Through this collaboration, faculty from OCCC’s Social Sciences, Business and IT, and Community Outreach and Education divisions are receiving access to training, curated curriculum resources, and ongoing support designed to prepare students for careers in the fast-growing field of AI/ML.
“The collaboration with the Amazon MLU Educators consortium allows OCCC to integrate industry-aligned machine learning curriculum into our programs, empower faculty through shared resources, and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, said Sara Mathew, department chair and professor of computer science at OCCC. “Through this collaboration, OCCC continues to advance its mission to provide accessible and practical machine learning resources that connect academic learning and industry needs.”
OCCC is one of several institutions participating in this effort. The initiative aims to build inclusive AI education pathways. OCCC is honored to be among the few community colleges selected to participate in this groundbreaking program.
“The Machine Learning University – Educator Consortium & Transformation Alliance represents a pivotal step in democratizing AI education and shaping the next generation of tech innovators. By collaborating with educators and executive administrators at Oklahoma City Community College, we’re not just sharing knowledge – we’re building a more inclusive and dynamic future for technology education. This collaboration empowers faculty to deliver cutting-edge AI and machine learning curriculum, ensuring students across varied communities have access to the skills that will define tomorrow’s innovations,” said LaDavia Drane, Director of Inclusive Experiences & Technology at Amazon.
Launched in February 2025 with the Inaugural MLU-HBCU AI/ML Teaching and Research Symposium, this extensive program provides ongoing support, training, and activities, including two 4-day summer bootcamps covering machine learning and generative AI, intensive technical training in AWS AI/ML services, curriculum development resources and materials, access to AWS resources and programs for education, and an invaluable connection to an industry-academic AI/ML community of practice.
“This collaboration with Amazon-Machine Learning University strengthens our institutional capacity to lead in emerging technologies,” said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, President of OCCC. “It not only equips our faculty and our Information Technology staff members with cutting-edge resources, but also positions OCCC as a nexus for accessible, high-impact AI education that empowers students from all backgrounds to thrive in the workforce of the future.”
This collaboration provides valuable resources and establishes Oklahoma City Community College as a leader in accessible, workforce-driven education. Equipping faculty, staff, and students with tools to navigate and shape the future of artificial intelligence, reaffirms OCCC’s commitment to innovation and economic opportunity for the communities it serves.
To learn more about OCCC, visit https://www.occc.edu/.
