Spokane, Washington college launches AI certificate program with $152K state funding

Spokane Falls Community College will launch an artificial intelligence certificate program in fall 2026, focusing on applications in cybersecurity, healthcare, and manufacturing. The program represents part of a broader Washington state initiative to prepare students for an AI-integrated workforce, funded by a $152,000 grant from the state’s $1 million AI education investment.

What you should know: The yearlong certificate program aims to give students practical AI skills for high-demand industries where the technology is becoming essential.

• “This will give our students an advantage going into the next evolution of the workforce,” said Mark Neufville, program lead at SFCC’s Cyber Center, who is developing the program.
• The program will prepare students to use AI tools for threat analysis in cybersecurity, diagnostic assistance in healthcare, and automation in manufacturing.
• Students will have access to internship and job placement opportunities in cybersecurity-related fields upon completion.

How AI is reshaping these industries: The technology has become central to both offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations, while medical fields increasingly rely on AI for data processing and patient care.

• In cybersecurity, AI helps analysts detect threats faster than human observation while criminals simultaneously use it to launch attacks.
• Radiology technicians now use AI algorithms to help medical professionals process large amounts of data quickly, and AI tools increasingly handle note-taking during medical appointments.
• “For threat analysis an AI model can pick up threats faster than a human eye. So it is about leveraging that tool to help protect us,” Neufville explained.

Public education component: Starting next month, the college will offer two-day AI courses for community members at $65 each.

• The general AI course on September 22 and 24 will cover machine learning, natural language processing, neural networks, and AI ethics over two-hour sessions.
• Healthcare professionals can attend a specialized course on October 6 and 8 focusing on AI applications in diagnostics, patient care, workflow automation, and predictive analytics.

Funding and equipment: The $152,000 state grant will support comprehensive program development and technology infrastructure.

• Funds will cover curriculum development, equipment purchases needed to support large language models, and datasets necessary for coursework.
• The investment is part of Washington’s broader $1 million commitment to AI education across the state’s community and technical college system.

What they’re saying: State education officials emphasize the economic impact of preparing students for AI-integrated careers.

• “We’re grateful for the Legislature’s investments. These programs help students prepare for in-demand and living-wage careers with industries that are looking to hire,” said William Belden, an associate at the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.
• “It all contributes to stronger families and communities,” Belden added.