Jefferson hosts statewide AI workshop series kickoff

Published on Feb 2, 2026

Jefferson Community and Technical College recently hosted and partnered on the launch of the Democratizing AI Training and Access Statewide workshop series, an initiative led by the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

The workshop series is supported by a grant awarded to UK's CAAI from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Educate AI Initiative and National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot Program. These programs aim to spur innovation, develop the next generation of talent for a well-trained AI workforce, and connect U.S. researchers and educators to compute and training resources to advance AI in research.

The kickoff workshop was held on January 23, bringing together researchers, innovators, and higher education professionals from across the Commonwealth to explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in research, innovation, and workforce development. The event featured expert-led presentations and demonstrations focused on digital transformation, AI applications, and cybersecurity. 

Participants were welcomed with opening remarks from Dr. Ty Handy, president of Jefferson, and the program included presentations from Dr. Adel Elmaghraby, Director of Research and Innovation for the Digital Transformation Center at the University of Louisville, who discussed the intersection of digital transformation, AI, and cybersecurity, and Dr. Christopher Ledford, Director of Data and Advanced Analytics for CPE, who examined AI’s impact on higher education and the workforce.

As both a host and partner, Jefferson played a key role in supporting this statewide initiative, which aims to expand access to AI training and resources across Kentucky. The workshop marked the first in a series of events designed to foster collaboration, share expertise, and strengthen the state’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Jefferson thanks its partners, speakers, and attendees for contributing to a successful kickoff and looks forward to continued collaboration as the series moves forward.

Learn more about the upcoming workshops and the program by visiting the Democratizing AI Training and Access Statewide website.