San Antonio College Launches Cutting-Edge Data Science and AI Program to Bridge Economic Opportunity Gap

In a bold step toward unlocking new pathways to economic mobility, SAC has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS/AI) 2.0 program—an initiative aimed at opening the doors of opportunity to a broader and more diverse group of students in the region.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the global job landscape, SAC is positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field. According to the World Economic Forum, AI is expected to eliminate 85 million jobs while simultaneously creating 97 million new ones in the coming years. With domestic job growth for data science professionals projected at 36% and 21% for AI roles over the next decade—figures that are even higher at the state (50%) and local (56%) levels—SAC’s new program couldn’t be more timely.

“This program is about more than just responding to the future of work,” said Dr. Henry Griffith, who led the DS/AI initiative at SAC. “It’s about making sure everyone in our community has a fair shot at participating in and benefiting from this future.”

Making High-Tech Careers More Accessible

Historically, pathways into high-paying tech careers like data science and artificial intelligence have been inaccessible to many San Antonio residents—often due to cost, time constraints, or lack of awareness. SAC’s DS/AI 2.0 pathway is specifically designed to tear down those barriers.

Leveraging curriculum developed in collaboration with major industry players such as Intel and Amazon Web Services, the program offers students a direct line to in-demand skills and certifications aligned with current workforce needs. Courses are available in a flexible "hyflex" format, with online and in-person options, and students can complete the full degree in as little as 18 months.

Microcredentials developed in partnership with the DSO Skills Lab provide a low-risk, on-demand entry point into the field, allowing learners to stack their education and build toward more advanced credentials over time. The program’s design includes both on- and off-ramps to employment, making it ideal for those looking to upskill or reskill in a rapidly shifting job market.

Strong Industry and Academic Partnerships

SAC's initiative isn’t going it alone. The program benefits from robust partnerships with regional universities including Texas State and UTSA, ensuring smooth transfer pathways to bachelor’s degrees. Sister Alamo Colleges—Northeast Lakeview College and Northwest Vista College —are also onboard to extend the reach of this transformative program.

The college has already made significant strides. Nine new DS/AI courses have been approved by the SAC Curriculum Committee, and $400,000 in funding has been secured from the Texas Workforce Commission and Google to support student access and equipment. An additional $1 million in federal funding is currently under review through the National Science Foundation.

SAC faculty and administrators have also taken their message to the national stage, presenting the DS/AI 2.0 program at key conferences including the 2023 Academic Data Science Alliance Conference, the 2024 IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference, and the upcoming American Society for Engineering Education Conference.

A Vision for the Future

“We’re not just teaching skills—we’re building futures,” said Griffith. “Our students aren’t just learning about data science and AI; they’re becoming the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”

By focusing on accessibility, employability, and educational advancement, San Antonio College’s new DS/AI program is more than a curriculum—it’s a movement. One that could reshape the future not just for individual students, but for the entire San Antonio region.

Photo: The Jobs and Education for Texans, or JET, Grant Program, awarded more than $332,000 to SAC. The funds will go toward training over 250 students, helping them build pathways to rewarding careers and meaningful futures.

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