Article by Jessie Chrobocinski

Del Mar College (DMC) has received a five-year, $3 million federal grant to strengthen teaching and digital learning and help prepare students for a workforce increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

The Del Mar College: Classroom to Career (DMC C2C) project begins Oct. 1, 2026, and is funded through the Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions Program administered through the U.S. Department of Labor.

At the center of the project is the creation of a new Center for Educational Advancement within DMC’s Learning Resources Division. The Center will provide faculty with support and training in teaching, course design and instructional technology, helping them adapt as new tools and technologies change teaching and learning.

Artificial intelligence will be one part of the larger Classroom to Career project. Faculty will have opportunities to learn how AI and other emerging technologies can be used responsibly in teaching and incorporated into coursework where appropriate. The project also will strengthen DMC’s online and hybrid courses and the support available to faculty who teach them.

“This grant aligns with Del Mar College’s vision to expand faculty knowledge and effective use of artificial intelligence while strengthening our e-learning capabilities,” said Dr. Jonda Halcomb, vice president and chief academic officer. “By identifying the need for a faculty learning center that provides dedicated resources, professional development and ongoing support for the integration of emerging technologies, the College can advance AI-related initiatives supporting teaching excellence and student success in both traditional and online learning environments.”

DMC also will incorporate responsible AI use into selected high-demand programs identified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The specific programs will be selected as the project moves forward. Faculty will work with project staff and industry partners to identify appropriate AI tools and develop learning activities that align with course outcomes and changing workforce expectations.

The project also includes plans to support students as they learn to use AI and other digital tools responsibly. The goal is to help students understand how emerging technologies can be used as part of their education and future careers. Specific student resources and activities will be developed as the project moves forward.

“Artificial intelligence is changing quickly, and part of our responsibility is helping our College community understand how to use these tools thoughtfully and responsibly,” said Ali Kolahdouz, DMC’s vice president and chief information officer. “This project gives us an opportunity to build AI literacy alongside the broader digital skills our faculty and students need, while being intentional about how those technologies are incorporated into teaching and learning.”

Through Classroom to Career, Del Mar College will use the five-year investment to strengthen the connection between teaching, technology and the skills students will need as they move from college into the workforce.

Each post “spotlights” a different author sharing – in their own words – how these advancements shape their work and benefit our Viking community.

DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE: JENNIFER JIMENEZ-PEREZ

Associate Professor of Learning Resources and Head of Technical Services
Del Mar College Libraries


Q: How are advancements in technology and platforms changing how your area delivers services or instruction?

A: Let’s not forget that libraries are much more than books. Libraries are constantly evolving, and DMC Libraries makes sure to incorporate various new hardware, software, and eResources into our spaces. Most of our resources, whether journal articles, magazines, streaming video, or ebooks, are available through online databases.


Q: What is the most impactful innovation you’ve implemented, and what problem did it solve?

A: DMC Libraries works on many developments on the backend so our users can get a more functional, user-friendly interface for students to conduct their research and receive a prompter response on services and resources. Probably the most impactful technology DMC Libraries implemented has been our discovery service, Valdar’s Discovery, which searches all the library resources in one place.


Q: How has this innovation improved student success?

A: Library use has a direct correlation to student success. By working with our highly skilled librarians and staff on general Del Mar College questions or in-depth research queries, DMC Libraries provides students with a broad variety of tools, strategies, and avenues guiding them through their Del Mar College and educational journey. Particularly, Valdar’s Discovery speeds up the research process for students and helps identify potential sources for their coursework.


Q: How has technology helped you build or strengthen partnerships with employers, schools, or other organizations, and how do these connections support the region’s workforce and economic growth?

A: From high-tech equipment available in library classrooms and study spaces to librarians and staff visiting with members of the DMC and larger community, DMC Libraries plays an important role using various technological resources to aid with instruction and learning of DMC students, faculty, staff, and community members. Various internal and external organizations take part in using these resources by hosting events and training scenarios onsite, such as a recent Cyber Security Summit for example.


Q: Looking ahead, what advancements do you foresee impacting your area, and what new skills will DMC graduates need?

A: The William F. White, Jr. Library is excited for our makerspace, the D.M.C. Lab, opening soon! We anticipate a soft opening with only a few pieces of equipment available to our students, staff, and faculty that will include a laser engraver and 3D printer in early fall 2026l. Over time we will have a large format printer, 3D scanner, embroidery machine, sewing machine, and possibly other equipment down the road.


Q: If talking to a prospective student, what are the top benefits or opportunities you’d highlight about your program or service?

A: Heritage Campus has a newly renovated library, Oso Creek Campus has a new library, and Windward Campus’ library, the Barth Learning Resource Center, is undergoing some floor plan changes to better suit the needs of our students. Various study zones are available in our libraries such as silent study, quiet study, social study, and study rooms. Using DMC Libraries also provides the benefit of various subscription resources available both on campus and online to find scholarly journals, newspaper sources, and film. However, don’t forget about the free books!

Additional information

Locations (access online directions and campus maps):

• William F. White, Jr. Library, Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404)
• Barth Learning Resources Center, Windward Campus, 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. (78405)
• Camus Library, Main Central Building, Oso Creek Campus, 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414)

Web link: delmar.edu/library/index.html
Phone: 361-698-1310
Email: refdesk@delmar.edu