Shaping the Future of Workforce & Education: The 2026 National AI Summit at CGCC

Thursday, October 22, 2026
CGCC President CJ Wurster speaks at the open reception for the 2026 National Summit on Artificial Intelligence

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) hosted the 2026 National Summit on Artificial Intelligence, presented by the Maricopa Community Colleges and in collaboration with the Maricopa Corporate College and the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC), the three-day summit brings together national leaders across higher education, industry, and public policy.

Centered around practical applications, the summit provided actionable strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms, business operations, and public policy. Attendees navigate three core tracks tailored to specific sectors:

  • Faculty & Student Track: Spotlighted innovative teaching methodologies, AI curriculum development, and student-led artificial intelligence applications.
  • Industry Track: Featured tech executives and industry leaders demonstrating real-world AI deployment and evolving workforce skill requirements.
  • Government Track: Focused on AI policy frameworks, public infrastructure, and state-level workforce development initiatives.

Beyond keynote presentations and interactive panel discussions, the event features a Student Innovation Showcase, giving community college students a platform to demonstrate practical AI projects and tools. Additionally, hands-on workshops and specialized training sessions took place across CGCC’s Pecos and Williams campuses. An evening reception with a panel of AI industry leaders took place at the CGCC Hangar capitalizing on the unique space and stunning views! 

By gathering educators, industry drivers, and policymakers in one place, the 2026 Summit emphasizes the essential role community colleges play in workforce training and democratizing AI education.

To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at CGCC, visit cgc.edu/ai.