2025 CCHA National Conference

The Evolving Workforce: AI, Community Colleges, and the Humanities

As vital institutions of higher education, community colleges play a crucial role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the changing workforce. Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize industries, automating tasks, and creating new roles that demand a unique blend of skills and knowledge. In an increasingly technology-driven world, the humanities remain essential for developing critical thinking, communication, creativity, and ethical reasoning – highly valued skills in the AI age.

This conference will explore the critical role of community colleges in preparing students for this evolving landscape, focusing on how the humanities can be effectively integrated into workforce development programs and foster well-rounded individuals with the intellectual agility and adaptability to succeed in a complex and ever-changing world. We will delve into the connection between the humanities and workforce skills, the anticipated impact of AI on various sectors, the integration of AI concepts and ethical considerations into existing programs, providing pathways for individuals to acquire new skills and adapt to the changing demands of the labor market, and fostering strong collaborations between community colleges, businesses, and industry leaders to ensure that education and training align with the needs of the evolving workforce.

Conference Information

Call for Papers | Conference Registration | CCHA Website

The CCHA invites proposals from all community college humanities faculty engaged in innovative pedagogy, curriculum development, and application, research scholarship, and progressive programs in student success and retention. 

We invite submissions from faculty and administrations who teach or are engaged in projects that represent the following disciplines: History | Literature | Philosophy | Writing | Media Literacy | Communication Studies | World Languages | Religious Studies | Behavioral Social Sciences | Fine Arts | Interdisciplinary efforts that include the Humanities | the intersection of workforce development and the Humanities

We invite proposals for presentations, workshops, and panel discussions that address:

• Innovative pedagogy and curriculum development application in any humanities discipline.
• Research scholarship (all humanities disciplines welcome).
• Progressive programs in student success and retention.
• The role of humanities in workforce skills.
• Workforce development strategies for the 21st century.
• AI literacy and digital skills development: What's new and promising?
• Ethical assessments of AI and automation: How much should students engage in AI?
• The important role of the humanities in the AI age: How will AI affect our notions of what it means to be human?
• How might AI augment humanities education in community colleges?

Hotel Reservations

You can book a conference rate at the following hotels with the code CCHA2025.

The Gordon Hotel

A new art-centric hotel in Eugene, Oregon. Step through the doors of The Gordon and into your own creative space. Mix and mingle in the lobby, where you can grab a light snack or create art at The Art Bar. Our genuine, heartfelt hospitality will make you feel at home upon arrival. We invite you to find a cozy spot, read a book, or make a new friend. Our house is yours—do as little or as much as you’d like. Reserve your room at The Gordon Hotel.

The Inn at the 5th

Eugene's premier four-diamond hotel delivers an elevated experience. Inn at the 5th is a luxury boutique hotel for fine dining, wine tasting, and celebrating all of life’s happy occasions at the iconic 5th Street Public Market in downtown Eugene. Reserve your room at The Inn at the 5th.

You can also book by calling the Reservation Manager at 458-205-8014 and referencing code CCHA2025

Explore other hotel & lodging options here