aiEDU partners with Florida’s Leading Regional Economic Development Organization to prepare students for careers of the future

Building on its commitment to serve the underserved, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (The Corridor Council) is partnering with The AI Education Project to solidify the fast-growing nonprofit’s presence in Florida and bridge the gap preventing disadvantaged communities from basic access to AI knowledge. Backed by a regional network of partners in academia, government and industry, The Corridor Council’s investment enables broader access to its “Introduction in AI” program for Florida students, as well as plans for curriculum development, research and direct student access.

Following the successful completion of pilot programs in Hillsborough and Orange Counties last year, The AI Education Project has maintained Florida as a priority area of focus for future growth. Its interdisciplinary approach to AI education emphasizes the humanities and project-based learning alongside STEM concepts to help students — especially those disproportionately impacted by AI and automation — gain the conceptual knowledge and skills they need to thrive as future workers, creators, consumers, and citizens.

Paul Sohl, CEO of The Corridor Council, is an aerospace engineer and retired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, where he served in a variety of roles overseeing the Navy’s air systems and operational testing and evaluation.

“We are committed to advancing innovative solutions that can help bridge the opportunity gap in Florida’s technology sector,” said Paul Sohl, CEO of The Corridor Council, aerospace engineer, and a retired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. “AI is already replacing jobs and creating new ones, and we see how rapidly it’s permeating all the sectors important to our region’s growth. I believe this partnership will lay the foundation for a national model of AI educational attainment and I’m thrilled The Corridor Council can play a role.”

Chaired by presidents of three world-class research institutions — the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF) — The Corridor Council drives economic development in the region by attracting, retaining and growing high-tech industry and the workforce to support it. Key to fulfilling its mission is facilitating connections and fostering a culture of innovation among partners in academia, government and private industry.

“Paul engaged with AIEDU on behalf of the Corridor Council and was quick to offer his advice, input, and indirect support, and in 2020 became one of our most important advisors in Florida, helping to broker introductions with key partners throughout the state,” said Ora D. Tanner, Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The AI Education Project. “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to formalize our partnership through an investment that advances our mission in a community I’ve called home for the last 20+ years.”