New NITIC Innovations for 2026
The National IT Innovation Center (NITIC) is gearing up for an exciting year in 2026, introducing a suite of programs and events designed to advance technology education and empower faculty across the country. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
Faculty AI Job Shadowing
NITIC’s Faculty AI Job Shadowing program will aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry by offering educators hands-on exposure to AI-driven workflows. Faculty participants will gain practical insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping IT roles, preparing them to integrate these concepts into their classrooms. Learn more here https://www.nitic.org/membership/faculty-ai-job-shadowing/.
Spring Working Connections: Two Iterations
Spring 2026 brings two rounds of Working Connections workshops:
- Spring I: February 13 – March 13
- Spring II: March 20 – April 17
Each round will feature three tracks with in-demand topics. Registration opened in mid-January after the holiday break. These workshops remain a cornerstone of NITIC’s mission to keep faculty ahead of emerging technologies. https://www.nitic.org/professional-development/working-connections/.
Working Connections Symposium
On May 1, 2026, NITIC will host its first Working Connections Symposium, a virtual “show and tell” event where faculty showcase how they’ve applied skills from previous Working Connections workshops. Participants can expect real-world examples of curriculum enhancements, innovative teaching strategies, and student engagement techniques. The symposium will feature breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and practical takeaways for educators nationwide. Registration information will be available soon!
Mini-Grants Round 3
The popular Mini-Grant Program enters its third round in 2026, continuing to fund faculty-led projects that drive innovation in IT education. These grants support initiatives such as curriculum development, classroom technology integration, and student success strategies. Application dates will be announced soon. Learn more here https://www.nitic.org/membership/mini-grant-program/.
On-Premise AI Pilot
NITIC will aim to deploy secure, on-premises AI infrastructure across community colleges. This initiative includes dedicated laptops and Mac Pro servers hosting localized large language models (LLMs) within private networks ensuring data security and student privacy. Faculty will benefit from guardrail-enabled AI tools tailored to specific courses, offering structured guidance without completing assignments. A national framework will support scalable integration and foster a collaborative community of practice.
As NITIC moves into 2026, its mission remains clear: to empower educators, strengthen IT programs, and drive innovation across the national community college network. By fostering collaboration, advancing emerging technologies, and providing practical resources, NITIC continues to shape the future of technology education—ensuring faculty and students are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.