The Yosemite Community College District (YCCD), in collaboration with the Modesto Junior College and Columbia College Foundations, will host the Central Valley Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovative Forum: Shaping Our Regional Future on Wednesday, May 21. This event will convene leaders, educators, students, industry professionals, and government representatives from the Central Valley and surrounding regions to explore AI’s transformative impact. With a focus on Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Higher Education, the summit will foster discussions on the potential of AI to reshape our workforce and prepare students for the evolving job market. The forum will be hosted at Modesto Junior College, East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto, in Forum 110.
Dr. Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges, and keynote speaker, emphasized, “This summit represents our collaborative efforts to align educational systems with current and future workforce needs. We aim to streamline the transition from education to earning, ensuring underserved populations across California can access top-notch training and educational programs leading to quality jobs.”
This event invites residents of regional communities to examine how AI is revolutionizing teaching and learning, improving healthcare outcomes, and creating new career pathways in higher education. Speakers will showcase innovative approaches to integrating AI into curricula, highlighting strategies for enhancing student learning and critical thinking. Healthcare industry professionals will discuss AI-driven advancements in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and telehealth. Emphasis will be placed on AI’s potential to expand access to quality healthcare in rural communities. Advanced manufacturing leaders will demonstrate how AI is streamlining production, increasing efficiency, and creating new opportunities for workforce upskilling and transition into AI-centric roles.
A key feature of the summit will be breakout panel discussions with table conversations, bringing diverse voices – including students, employers, higher education executives, government representatives, and community members – to encourage a well-rounded dialogue on the risks and rewards of AI. These conversations will serve as a platform for participants to share their perspectives on AI across different sectors, looking toward the next generation of AI-driven careers.
This free event welcomes community members, business owners, educators, unions, and policymakers to explore AI’s potential to strengthen the local economy.
Opening session begins at 9:15 a.m., with the breakout panels starting at 10:15 a.m.
Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Employer Panel at 1:45 p.m.
Call to register or for more information, 209-575-6714.
