TGR Foundation’s inaugural AI [Artificial Intelligence] Externship gathered a cohort of 25 Orange County, CA educators, over the course of three consecutive Fridays from February 28 to March 14, to collaborate with their peers, learn from professionals and engage in discussions to empower students for the future workforce.
The sessions were hosted at the flagship TGR Learning Lab Anaheim and included guest speakers, panel discussions, hands-on activities and collaborative group work. Educators also visited Providence Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach and University Lab Partners in Irvine. During their visits participants had hands-on experiences and learned how AI is impacting the workplace from healthcare and biotechnology experts.
Funded in partnership with the Rancho Santiago Community College District and Orange County Regional Consortium with additional support from the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County, the program was developed to meet four strategic objectives including:
- Increased knowledge of artificial intelligence in relation to the workforce.
- Support participants in applying new knowledge to student learning in and outside the classroom.
- Exploration of inquiry-based teaching and learning practices to build skills relevant to the AI workforce.
- Provide structure and support for participants to create sub-regional plans to strengthen partnerships.
“The externship was designed to inform educators of how AI tools are being deployed and utilized in Health and Biotechnology sectors. An outcome of the externship is to integrate this information into curriculum, further strengthen collaboration between K12 and community college, and advance industry partnerships in the region,” said Michael Sacoto, Interim Executive Director, Orange County Regional Consortium, Rancho Santiago Community College District. “I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this experience and how students will benefit.”
Through valuable partnerships with local school districts and organizations with a shared commitment to empowering students through education, TGR Foundation invests in educators through year-round professional learning programs.
“AI is rapidly transforming industries, and it is crucial that we equip educators with the knowledge and resources to prepare students for the evolving workforce,” said John Lee, senior vice president of programs and education at TGR Foundation. “Through this externship program, we’re not only building educators’ capacity but also fostering meaningful connections between education and industry to ensure students are future-ready.”
Upon completion of the externship, survey data revealed an increase in connections to AI implementation in the workforce as 95% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that because of the program they know how AI is impacting the nature of work and have a better understanding of how to support students toward future careers.
“Hearing from the speakers in the profession was invaluable,” said one participant.
All participants confirmed receipt of resources that they will use with their students, a better understanding of how the inquiry process can build skills relevant to the AI workforce and plans to implement something they learned during the program.
“This was extremely valuable,” said another participant. “I am excited to present what I learned to our high school education department.”
While each day included engaging speakers and insights, educators also experienced breakthroughs during their peer-to-peer discussions and hands-on activities.
“It was very refreshing to see many professionals embracing AI technology and paving the way for students to utilize AI in their learning,” said another participant.
In addition to the tools, insights and resources from the three days of sessions, each educator received a $500 stipend.
As educators return to their learning environment to implement what they learned from the experience, TGR Foundation is actively preparing for its next professional learning opportunities from monthly virtual workshops to its annual summer STEM Studio sessions.
For more information visit TGRFoundation.org/professionallearning.
