Walsh University has launched an AI-focused Skilled Technical Workforce (STWF) Program designed to equip educators and administrators with the cutting-edge skills necessary to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into K12 education, all while ensuring full tuition reimbursement through Ohio TechCred.
This summer, Dr. Amy J. Heston and Dr. Neil G. Walsh developed and introduced “Unleashing the Power of AI: Empowering Educators Everywhere,” a specialized course under the STWF Program. This course, offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs), was specifically crafted for K12 educators and administrators. With a commitment to fulfilling the mission of Walsh's founders, the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Drs. Heston and Walsh extended an invitation to educators from local Catholic high schools, aiming to provide them with the tools to navigate and harness AI’s potential in the classroom.
On August 8, educators from Walsh Jesuit High School attended the inaugural session, a course that offered practical insights and hands-on experience in leveraging AI for educational innovation. Offered through Walsh University’s Skilled Technical Workforce (STWF) Program, this initiative ensures that critical training is provided at no cost to schools or their employees, thanks to full tuition reimbursement through Ohio’s TechCred program.
Walsh University’s STWF Program has been recognized by the National Science Board and has issued over 1,500 technology-based credentials through the Tech Cred program and other initiatives that provide relevant training to high school students and unemployed individuals.
“While striving from vision to reality, we are thrilled to see the immediate impact of this program on our local educators,” said Dr. Heston. “Our goal is to serve Catholic high schools first and then expand statewide throughout Ohio, ensuring that all educators have access to the skills needed to lead in an AI-driven world.”
This fall, Walsh University is offering its first-ever AI course, “Science Research Innovation Through AI Technology,” a hybrid course designed by Drs. Heston and Walsh. Tailored for science majors and other interested students, this innovative one-credit-hour course blends in-person and online learning to accommodate busy schedules. It emphasizes the integration of AI tools in scientific research and development, covering topics such as AI-driven idea generation, prompt engineering, collaborative projects, and the ethical use of AI. Students will acquire new research strategies, enhance communication skills, and engage in technology-driven group projects.
“Integrating AI into our curriculum not only enhances our students’ learning experiences but also positions Walsh University as a leader in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and academic excellence,” said Dr. Neil G. Walsh, Chair of Mathematics and Sciences, Associate Professor of Chemistry, and co-designer of the course. “This course, among the others that are currently being developed, is a testament to our commitment to staying at the cutting edge of education and research.”
Walsh University remains at the forefront of embracing AI, having established a dedicated taskforce and recently launched its first AI course. This initiative is part of a broader effort to align with the university’s mission of forming leaders through an authentically Catholic education.
Educators and administrators interested in enrolling in upcoming sessions or learning more about the STWF Program are encouraged to contact Dr. Amy J. Heston at
aheston@walsh.edu or Dr. Neil G. Walsh at
nwalsh@walsh.edu.
