City Colleges of Chicago Launches the Midwest AI/Machine Learning Initiative Powered by AWS
March 13, 2026
City Colleges of Chicago has been named a regional lead institution for AWS-Machine Learning University (AWS-MLU) and is launching the Midwest AI/Machine Learning Initiative Powered by AWS. The initiative brings a cloud learning environment to faculty and their classrooms at no cost, with a clear goal: scale practical AI and machine learning education across the region.
As a regional lead, City Colleges will organize and deliver faculty-led bootcamps, workshops, and student business case competitions in collaboration with AWS-MLU. City Colleges of Chicago joins four other regional leaders: Howard University, Delaware State University, Alabama A&M University, and Oklahoma City Community College.
What this means for educators
- Access to a no-cost cloud learning environment faculty can use in class.
- Faculty bootcamps and workshops focused on applied AI/ML skills and course integration.
- Curated curriculum resources and ongoing support to help bring AI/ML into existing syllabi.
- Regional student business case competitions connecting classroom learning to real scenarios.
- Collaboration opportunities for Midwest community colleges, HBCUs, and universities serving underrepresented populations in STEM.
"Establishing five regional lead institutions for the AWS-MLU Program marks a powerful step forward in scaling AI and machine learning education nationwide. I am especially enthusiastic about co-developing content with HBCUs and community colleges-uniting faculty expertise with industry insight to create learning experiences that are rigorous, relevant, and accessible. HBCUs continue to lead at the forefront of AI innovation, while community colleges serve as critical engines of workforce mobility and technology adoption. Together, they are not simply participating in the AI future-they are defining it. This is how we build national momentum: through regional leadership, shared creation, and a collective commitment to preparing students everywhere to thrive in an AI-driven world." - Dr. Margie Vela, Head of Strategic Initiatives-Machine Learning University, Amazon Web Services
"Being named the Midwest AI/Machine Learning Initiative Powered by AWS is a milestone that solidifies City Colleges of Chicago's role as a premier convener of AI and advanced technology education," said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. "This collaboration with AWS-MLU allows us to scale our impact across the region-it enables us to deliver elite, workforce-ready training, ensuring we can sustainably bridge the tech gap for faculty."
City Colleges and AWS-MLU have collaborated since 2023 as part of a nationwide effort to help faculty integrate AI and ML into undergraduate instruction. Faculty will gain hands-on experience, classroom-ready materials, and peer support-so students learn from instructors who are actively building their own AI/ML capabilities.
"This partnership reflects City Colleges' commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation," said Ayoka Noelle Samuels, associate vice chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago Technology and Strategy sector. "We're excited to bring these tools to our faculty, and others around the Midwest, so that they in turn can prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. The partnership will ensure faculty gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies, and it will support them in the classroom as they continue to prepare students to participate in a competitive STEM-based field of study and workforce."
How to engage
- Faculty training: Watch for upcoming bootcamps and workshops led by City Colleges in partnership with AWS-MLU.
- Regional participation: Midwest community colleges, HBCUs, and universities serving underrepresented students are encouraged to get involved.
- Get updates or express interest: Email tech@ccc.edu.
- Supplement your prep: Explore the AI Learning Path for Teachers for classroom-ready ideas that complement faculty training.
Why this matters
- Equity: Expands access to AI/ML education for students who have historically had fewer on-ramps to tech careers.
- Workforce relevance: Aligns instruction with industry practices so students can apply skills immediately.
- Faculty-first model: Invests in instructors-skills, resources, and support-so change sticks in the classroom.
About Machine Learning University
Through its Machine Learning University (MLU) Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance, AWS expands access to AI/ML education. These initiatives equip faculty and senior administrators-especially at HBCUs and community colleges-with hands-on training, open-access curriculum, and peer collaboration. Learn more at AWS Machine Learning University.
About City Colleges of Chicago
City Colleges of Chicago is the city's most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility, empowering Chicagoans to build stronger futures. Learn more at ccc.edu or call 312-COLLEGE.
Media Contact
Veronica Resa, City Colleges of Chicago, vresa1@ccc.edu
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