US technology company IBM and the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) have launched a collaboration to deliver a customised AI learning plan for faculty and staff at community colleges across the United States, using IBM's free SkillsBuild platform, as reported by Edtech Innovation Hub.

The self-paced pathway takes educators from foundational AI literacy through to advanced applied concepts, incorporating hands-on labs designed to build practical fluency in evaluating, applying and integrating responsible AI use across teaching, advising and professional practice.

IBM SkillsBuild offers more than 1,000 courses covering AI, cloud, cybersecurity and data science, and provides industry-aligned credentials, guided learning experiences and ready-to-use toolkits that institutions can embed into existing programmes. Faculty also gain access to open-source AI models, data science tools and analytical resources through IBM Technology.

The collaboration builds on an existing partnership between IBM SkillsBuild and Miami Dade College, where the platform was first introduced to students and adult learners. NAAIC, founded by Miami Dade College's Antonio Delgado Fornaguera, Vice President of Innovation and Tech Partnerships, is now extending that model to community college educators nationwide.

Lydia Logan, vice president of Global Education and Workforce Development at IBM, said the programme is designed to move educators beyond awareness. "Building AI readiness starts with literacy, but it has to lead to fluency," she said. "Our goal is to help educators build the confidence to apply AI responsibly in ways that strengthen how they educate and support students."

Delgado Fornaguera said accessibility and workforce alignment sit at the core of the initiative. "Working with IBM allows us to support educators in building practical skills that directly benefit their students and local economies," he said.

Read the full details of the IBM and NAAIC collaboration in the complete report.