NEWS
Contact: Javier Ayala, Dean
Career and Workforce Development, Grossmont College
November 6, 2025
Grossmont College launches first of its kind, Applied Artificial Intelligence Associate Science degree
Grossmont College employees and students join the Nvidia A.I. booth at the Grossmont College Career Expo.
Contributors: Javier Ayala, Jennifer Nichols Kearns, and Sara Spiva
EL CAJON, CA - In fall 2025, Grossmont College launched the first of its kind Associate of Science Degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), to be offered at a California community college. While as many as half a dozen community colleges offer degrees, certificates, and courses in AI, Grossmont College鈥檚 program is the only one that focuses on Applied AI, i.e. the practical applications of AI, and offers hands-on learning as opposed to theoretical learning.
The Grossmont College program also stands out among California community colleges for offering a comprehensive and structured pathway to a degree or career. The program also offers a Certificate of Achievement in Applied Artificial Intelligence, and both pathways are designed with multiple entry and exit points, including noncredit courses, certificates of proficiency, certificates of achievement, and a full associate degree to offer maximum flexibility for students.
The program structure allows students to progress at their own pace and according to their career goals. Efforts are made to minimize barriers to entry, such as offering courses that don't require expensive software or hardware, making the program more accessible to a diverse student population. The program features both zero-cost non-credit and low-cost credit courses, with a curriculum that was developed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that students acquire skills relevant to current job market demands. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations and real-world applications of AI.
Grossmont College students utilizing the CSIS Open Lab.
Additionally, the program leverages the strong existing partnerships that Grossmont College has in the East County business community. In collaboration with partners such as the East County EDC and the East County Chamber, and regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) deans, Grossmont College CTE Dean Javier Ayala, gathered input from local business and industry leaders to launch the program and secure grant funding for equipment and faculty development.
鈥淎t Grossmont College, we鈥檙e committed to giving students more than just theory, we鈥檙e giving them tools to shape the future,鈥� stated Dean Ayala. 鈥淭he Applied AI degree is designed to be accessible, hands-on, and relevant, empowering students to turn their curiosity into innovation and meaningful careers.鈥�
Once the rigorous approval process was complete, Grossmont College was able to launch the first of their 8-week Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses, a non-credit course, CSIS 90, entitled Jumpstart. The course began October 13, 2025, and will run until December 13, 2025, with 16 students in the first cohort. The companion for-credit 8-week course, CSIS 115 Introduction to AI and Machine Learning, also launched October 13, 2025, with 24 students registered. These courses have been designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in AI-related fields using student learning outcomes. Students will utilize the latest AI tools and frameworks to solve problems, automate processes, and analyze data. After completing the program, students should demonstrate proficiency in developing AI tools.
As part of these efforts, Philip Bell, Grossmont College Associate Professor in Computer Science and Information Systems, participated in NVIDIA鈥檚 Deep Learning Institute, a one-day professional development program tailored for community college faculty. This initiative provides free educational resources to California community college students and instructors. Through this partnership, NVIDIA aims to expand student access to cutting-edge technologies used in the tech industry, while equipping them with the skills to apply these tools effectively.
Grossmont College CSIS professors and professionals speak with students.
With the rise of AI in San Diego鈥檚 technology community, and the launch of this program, Grossmont College has successfully identified, and responded to, a growing need for workforce development in artificial intelligence. More than 70 artificial intelligence-focused companies are operating in San Diego, highlighting the need for more skilled workers. As a part of this process, Dean Ayala and Professor Bell will continue to assess regional and statewide needs.
On a regional scale, San Diego County continues to solidify its reputation as a leading technology hub in the Southwest. According to Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE)鈥檚 Scoring Tech Talent 2025 report, the city ranks among the top 20 U.S. markets for tech talent, with local companies driving innovation and actively recruiting the next generation of professionals. The advisory board for this program is comprised of several local tech leaders including, Intuit, Big Wallet Digital, and Prometheus.
On a broader scale, the California Community Colleges system is taking bold steps to prepare students for the future as artificial intelligence becomes a cornerstone of technological advancement under its Vision 2030 initiative. The California Community College Chancellor鈥檚 Office (CCCCO) has announced the launch of the AI Fellows Program, a statewide initiative designed to support the responsible adoption of AI across all 116 community colleges. Collectively, California community colleges serve 2.1 million students and employ more than 88,000 professionals, making this initiative one of the largest coordinated efforts in AI education in the country.
The Grossmont College A.I. degree program has now been added to the list of the many programs developed under a key component of Vision 2030 which is the California Community Colleges鈥� strategic plan to position the college system as a national leader in AI education and workforce development. With 40% of all U.S. undergraduates attending community colleges, California and Grossmont College鈥檚 approach could serve as a blueprint for institutions nationwide seeking to scale AI responsibly and equitably.
Members of the Media:
Visuals: District Flickr: Grossmont College A.I. Program .
1:1 on-campus interviews: Available by appointment
About Grossmont College
Grossmont College has served the diverse educational needs of San Diego鈥檚 East County region since classes began in 1961. Grossmont College offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs, such as allied health, nursing, culinary arts, administration of justice, science, fine and performing arts, and drone technology, that attract students from across the county. Grossmont College is a top transfer school to San Diego State University, and home to signature career education programs that train the region鈥檚 workforce in in-demand careers. For more information, visit .
About the 51视频 District (GCCCD)
The (GCCCD) includes Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, which offer hundreds of degree and certificate programs, including Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Advanced/Basic Certificates. GCCCD is the largest provider of higher education and job training in East County, and is a top transfer pathway to San Diego State University. The colleges lead the way in developing educational programs, classes and services that meet the needs of the community of learners, and prepare students to meet changing community and workforce needs, while advancing social justice and economic mobility. Learn more and enroll at .
####