Artificial Intelligence in Career and Technical Education

Summary

The Artificial Intelligence in Career and Technical Education (AI/CTE) Project aims to examine how Illinois community colleges are adopting and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in response to evolving workforce demands. Employing multiple research methods, the project seeks to identify emerging practices, opportunities, and challenges associated with AI integration in CTE programs. Additionally, the project explores how AI is transforming workforce skill requirements, career pathways, and advancement opportunities across CTE-related industries. Findings will inform institutional practices and policy recommendations to support effective and equitable AI integration in CTE programs across Illinois and beyond.

Funder

Illinois Community College Board

OCCRL Researchers

Xinran Zhu, Ph.D.

Oliver Ding

Aidana Sirgebayeva

Ralph Hadjor

Goals

Explore AI’s Impact on Workforce Development – Understand how AI is reshaping technical and soft skill requirements, career pathways, and advancement opportunities across CTE-related industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture.
Examine AI Adoption in CTE – Investigate how Illinois community colleges are adopting and integrating AI into CTE programs in response to evolving workforce needs and state policy mandates.
Identify Opportunities Challenges and Ethical Considerations – Explore the opportunities, challenges, and ethical implications of AI integration in CTE, including considerations related to equitable access, institutional resources, and the needs of rural and urban communities.
Inform State and National Policy and Practice – Disseminate research findings through publications, research briefs and conference presentations, and develop evidence-informed and actionable recommendations to support promoting responsible and equitable AI integration in CTE programs across Illinois and beyond.

Products will include peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations, case-study reports, research briefs, and policy and practice recommendations.