IBM's Belinda Scarborough Kennedy unveils free AI education resources for colleges

The Board of Regents held a significant meeting on May 29, 2025, focusing on advancements in education and workforce development in Kansas. Key discussions centered around IBM's initiatives to enhance educational resources and adult education programs in the state.

Belinda Scarborough Kennedy from IBM introduced two major programs: the IBM Skills Build program and the AI All Freshman Initiative. The Skills Build program offers free resources for teaching, learning, and noncommercial research, aimed at college students, faculty, and even high school learners. Kennedy emphasized the importance of these resources, which include access to industry-standard tools and guest lectures from IBM experts. The initiative aims to train 30 million people by 2030, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, which are rapidly growing fields.

Kennedy also highlighted the AI All Freshman Initiative, which encourages all incoming college freshmen to complete a three-hour course on artificial intelligence. This course not only provides an IBM badge credential but also opens opportunities for paid micro-internships, allowing students to gain practical experience early in their academic careers. The initiative requires institutional commitment to ensure all freshmen participate, thereby enhancing their employability in a competitive job market.

In addition to IBM's contributions, Hector Martinez provided an update on adult education in Kansas. He reported a 6.5% increase in enrollment, with over 7,300 learners participating in programs aimed at improving basic education and workforce readiness. Martinez called for an additional $1.5 million investment to expand integrated educational training programs, which combine foundational skills with job-specific credentials. He stressed the importance of adult education as a means of economic and community development, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare and technology.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the approval of a new credential list for career technical education, aimed at ensuring that high school students can access industry-recognized certifications that align with job market demands. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance workforce readiness and support economic growth in Kansas.

Overall, the Board of Regents meeting underscored a commitment to leveraging partnerships with industry leaders like IBM to improve educational outcomes and workforce development in the state. The initiatives discussed are expected to provide valuable resources and opportunities for students and adult learners alike, preparing them for the evolving job market.