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The Future of AI & NEXTGEN Training

We are building America's most advanced AI workforce training platform — combining industry-recognized certifications, employer academies, and next-generation curriculum to prepare professionals for the jobs of tomorrow, today.

30+
Years of workforce excellence
6
AI & tech training domains
10K+
Professionals trained annually
3
Target jurisdictions: MD, VA, DC
"To prepare the next generation of American professionals for leadership roles in the AI economy by delivering world-class workforce training, industry-recognized certifications, and direct employer connections through the power of the CCG ecosystem."
— CCG Workforce Development Committee

Three Decades of Impact

The CCG Workforce Development Committee is the governing leadership team behind Career Communications Group's workforce training and credentialing initiatives. Composed of educators, industry executives, workforce strategists, and curriculum experts, the committee sets the direction for how CCG prepares talent for the modern economy.

For over 30 years, CCG has convened the country's largest gatherings of STEM professionals through landmark events like the BEYA STEM Conference, the Waves of Change STEM Conference, and the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards (HENAAC). The Workforce Development Committee transforms those professional networks into structured career and credentialing pathways.

With the launch of STEM City USA Ascend LMS™, the committee now oversees a full-scale workforce development learning management system, AI-powered curriculum, and a certification infrastructure designed to credential the next generation of technology leaders.

Career Communications Group Maryland Dept. of Labor STEM City USA
🏆

BEYA STEM Conference

One of the nation's premier STEM professional recognition events, connecting hundreds of engineers, scientists, and technology leaders with Fortune 500 employers in defense, aerospace, and tech annually.

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Waves of Change STEM Conference

A dedicated conference and magazine platform advancing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — connecting talent with leadership opportunities at every career stage.

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CCG Publishing Portfolio

US Black Engineer & IT Magazine, Waves of Change Magazine, and Hispanic Engineer Magazine — connecting STEM professionals with career opportunities, industry news, and employer partners for over 30 years.

Committee Members

The CCG Workforce Development Committee is composed of senior executives, technologists, educators, and public officials with decades of experience building America's STEM workforce.

GS
Committee Chairman
Gary Simms, Sr.
Director & Principal Relationship Manager · Microsoft
20+ years in IT and cybersecurity. Former roles at Walmart, Wells Fargo, Lockheed Martin, and Freddie Mac. CIO and CISO certifications from Carnegie Mellon University. 15 years of U.S. Army service.
TT
Tyrone D. Taborn
Chairman & CEO · Career Communications Group, Inc.
Publisher of US Black Engineer & IT Magazine, HBCUConnect.com, and STEM City USA.
DJ
David Jones
CEO · Lumena Energy
Pioneer in Virtual Power Plant technology. 2019 Google Innovation Award. MBA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
RS
Reggie Smith III, Ph.D.
Former President · U.S. Distance Learning Association
Decades of experience in distance learning, technology integration in education, and online workforce training ecosystems.
CP
Dr. Colin Parris
SVP & Chief Technology Officer · GE Digital
2023 Black Engineer of the Year. Authority in artificial intelligence, digital twins, and predictive analytics.
KH
Dr. Kendall Harris
Provost & VP Academic Affairs · Texas Southern University
Former Dean, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University.
NJ
Nia Jetter
Senior Principal Technologist · Amazon Robotics
Focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, and responsible technology deployment. National speaker on innovation and STEM leadership.
DB
Admiral David Brewer (Ret.)
Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Former Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District. Expertise in organizational leadership and workforce readiness.
PS
Peggy Selma
Education Leader & Consultant
40+ years in education. Former Principal, 100 Academy of Excellence. Consultant, Nevada Dept. of Education. Senior Executive, CSR Group, Inc.
CM
Senator Cory McCray
Maryland State Senator · District 45, Baltimore City
Advocate for workforce development and STEM education. Background as electrician and labor leader.
VM
Dr. Victor R. McCrary
Chair, National Science Board · VP Research, Univ. of DC
2011 BEYA Scientist of the Year. Former senior leader at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, Morgan State University, and NIST.
KW
Dr. Ken Washington
CTO & Chief Innovation Officer · Medtronic
2024 Black Engineer of the Year. Former CTO at Ford Motor Company and VP Software Engineering at Amazon.
VB
Dr. Victor Brown
Senior Technology Leader · IBM
Enterprise cloud solutions, AI applications, and digital innovation. Active in research, mentoring, and AI workforce programs.
KP
Krystal Porter
Lead Engineer & Solutions Architect · Leidos
CFO, Black Cybersecurity Association. 2021 BEYA Dr. Wanda M. Austin Legacy Award. Defense systems architecture and cybersecurity.
CF
Dr. Charlotte Farmer
COO & Board Director
25+ years in executive leadership and board governance. Board Chair of a technology start-up. Advisor to a Carlyle Group portfolio company.
OA
Olakunle Arowolo
Executive Leader · Actalent Services
Strategic programs and business development. Focus on consultative solutions and workforce program management for STEM customers.
AK
Anthony Kinslow II
Founder · Gemini Energy Solutions
Lecturer at Stanford University. Expert in sustainable design, construction, and clean energy workforce development.
LM
Lockheed Martin Representative
To Be Identified
Long-term CCG partner. Aerospace, defense technology, and workforce readiness.
BA
Boeing Representative
To Be Identified
Long-term CCG partner. Aerospace, defense technology, and workforce readiness.

Four Working Subcommittees

SubcommitteeFocus
Curriculum & Standards Audit and develop AI, Cybersecurity, and Quantum curriculum; align with state standards and industry certification pathways.
Workforce Development Build stackable credential pathways; align employer demand with training output; integrate apprenticeship and industry partnership structures.
Compliance & Governance Ensure federal compliance readiness; monitor CMMC requirements; maintain program accountability and reporting standards.
Business Development Build employer sponsorships and training partnerships; develop federal and state funding strategy; expand the CCG employer network.

For inquiries contact intouch@ccgmag.com  ·  410.244.7101

What the Committee Does

The CCG Workforce Development Committee drives programs, partnerships, and curriculum that connect trained professionals with high-demand careers in technology.

01
Close the AI Skills Gap

Train and certify professionals in AI, machine learning, and automation through structured cohort programs and employer academies — preparing talent for the jobs employers need filled now.

02
Build a National Credentialing Infrastructure

Issue industry-recognized certifications across six domains — AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, Leadership, STEM Careers, and Digital Media — trusted by Fortune 500 employers and federal agencies.

03
Launch Employer Academies

Partner with corporations, government agencies, and universities to deploy custom-branded training academies — creating sustainable upskilling pipelines directly tied to hiring.

04
Expand University Partnerships

Integrate CCG curriculum with colleges and universities nationwide, embedding AI and technology training directly into existing degree programs and career development pipelines.

05
Secure Federal Workforce Partnerships

Align programming with the Department of Labor, Department of Defense, and other federal initiatives to expand reach and meet national technology talent priorities.

06
Strengthen America's Technology Workforce

Build scalable pipelines from K–12 through adult learners, producing graduates ready for careers in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing across every region of the country.

07
Advance K–12 Curriculum Adoption

Secure formal adoption of CCG's AI, Cybersecurity, and Quantum Computing curriculum in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC — establishing the regional model for national scaling.

08
Measure Real-World Outcomes

Track placement rates, employer satisfaction, and career advancement for every program graduate — holding CCG's workforce initiatives accountable to economic results, not just enrollment numbers.

Six Areas of Focus

The committee organizes its work around six program areas — each supported by dedicated curriculum, employer partnerships, and credentialing pathways.

🤖

AI & Emerging Technology

Curriculum, cohorts, and certifications for artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and prompt engineering — skills that define the modern workforce.

🔐

Cybersecurity Workforce

Training and certifying professionals in network security, threat analysis, cloud security, and compliance frameworks to address the critical national shortage of cybersecurity talent.

⚛️

Quantum Computing Readiness

Foundational and applied quantum computing instruction — introducing concepts, industry applications, and career pathways in this rapidly emerging field.

🎓

Leadership Development

Building executive presence, management capability, and strategic thinking among mid-career STEM professionals ready to step into senior roles in technology organizations.

🌱

Early Career Pipeline

Introducing students to STEM careers early — through K–12 curriculum, summer cohorts, mentorship, internship matching, and foundational certifications at colleges and universities.

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Employer & Community Engagement

Bridging the gap between trained talent and hiring organizations through employer academies, job placement services, corporate partnerships, and workforce re-entry programs.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're a student launching your tech career or a company building a trained, credentialed workforce — we're ready to work with you.

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For Students & Learners

Start Your Tech Career Today

Earn industry-recognized certifications in AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, and more. Learn from top professionals, connect with Fortune 500 employers, and graduate with credentials that open doors.

Structured cohort programs with real instructors
Certifications recognized by top employers
Career placement and employer connections
Flexible formats for working adults and students
Explore Programs & Enroll
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For Corporate Sponsors & Partners

Build the Workforce You Need

Sponsor a training cohort, launch a branded corporate academy, or hire directly from our certified graduate pipeline. CCG connects your brand to thousands of motivated STEM professionals nationwide.

Custom-branded corporate training academies
Sponsor cohorts aligned to your hiring needs
Direct access to CCG's BEYA & Waves of Change networks
Measurable workforce outcomes and reporting
Become a Sponsor
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University Partnerships

Embed CCG curriculum into your programs and connect your students directly to employer partners.

Talk to Us
🤝

Volunteer as a Mentor

Share your expertise with the next generation through CCG's professional network.

Get Involved

Ready to Build Together?

The CCG Workforce Development Committee is actively seeking employer partners, educational institutions, and community organizations committed to building America's technology workforce.