News
AWC leads the region in comprehensive AI integration
August 17, 2026Regional Center for Emerging Technology champions innovative AI education and community access
Yuma, Ariz. (August 17, 2026) – Arizona Western College is the first institution in the region to roll out a visionary plan for institution-wide integration of artificial intelligence through the establishment of the Regional Center for Emerging Technology. The effort will expand access to AI education to ensure that faculty, students, businesses, and community members prosper in an AI-enabled future.
While many institutions across the state experiment with AI, AWC is taking an intentional, coordinated approach to integrate AI across all learning and operational models. This includes: professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, certificate and degree programs in AI and Machine Learning, community workshops and noncredit learning opportunities, advanced AI tools and training through partnerships with industry leaders like Google, and the establishment of the physical AI Learning & Innovation Lab as a hub for innovation, workforce development, and lifelong learning.
“The Regional Center for Emerging Technology is about expanding opportunity for everyone,” said AWC President Dr. Reetika Dhawan. “At AWC, we want our students, employees, businesses, and community members to feel confident and supported as technology continues to evolve. By providing accessible education and practical learning opportunities, we can help people build new skills, explore new possibilities, and use AI responsibly in ways that strengthen our communities.”
As AI adoption accelerates nationwide, it is rapidly becoming a foundational workforce skill in industry and small business operations. This impact is already evident throughout Southwest Arizona in fields like agriculture, healthcare, military and defense, education, government, and manufacturing. As the region’s Center for Emerging Technology, AWC aims to get ahead of the curve by equipping residents with the skills to compete in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
“The future competitiveness of Southwest Arizona depends on our ability to turn emerging technologies into real opportunities for people, businesses, and communities,” shared Dr. Shadi Kilani, Executive Vice President of the Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College. “AWC is bringing together education, industry, and community partners to build the talent, knowledge, and innovation ecosystem needed to position Southwest Arizona as a recognized hub for AI innovation and workforce excellence. Our goal is to ensure our region is not simply adapting to change, but helping shape what comes next.”
AWC is committed to making AI accessible to everyone, so that all members of the community can leverage AI as a tool to improve productivity, innovation, and economic opportunity. To guide this change, AWC has hired a Director of Emerging Technology and established guiding principles to ensure that AI is being used ethically and responsibly. These principles emphasize transparency and are grounded in the belief that AI should never replace human intelligence but be utilized as a tool to enhance it.
The Regional Center for Emerging Technology positions AWC as the region's leader in responsible AI education. By combining education, workforce development, innovation, community engagement, and responsible governance, AWC is building a model that expands opportunity for students, employers, and communities across the region.
The first AI for All community workshop will be led by AWC’s new Director for Emerging Technology, Dr. Ye Huo, on August 27. These workshops are free and open to the public.
Workshop details:
Everyday AI: Discover. Play. Create.
August 27, 2026 – 5:30 p.m.
AWC Yuma Campus – AS 112 (campus map)
To learn more about AWC’s vision for AI integration, read our guiding principles, or explore upcoming AI courses, visit azwestern.edu/rcet.
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Contact:
Mandy Heil
Dean of Marketing and Communications
Arizona Western College
mandy.heil@azwestern.edu
(928) 314-9594