NVIDIA AI Podcast, Ep. 279:

"Learning Together: How Students and Educators Are Harnessing AI for Success"
Host: Noah Kravitz | Guest: Dr. Sahara Awan, President of Mission College
Date: November 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode explores how community colleges—specifically Mission College in Santa Clara, led by Dr. Sahara Awan—are leveraging artificial intelligence and technology to reinvent education, empower diverse student communities, and bridge equity gaps. Dr. Awan shares her journey, Mission College’s innovative initiatives (including AI curriculum and supportive resources), and actionable strategies to harness emerging tech for student success in an evolving workforce.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Mission College: A “Hidden Gem” Embedded in Diversity (01:40–06:16)

• Mission College celebrated its 50th anniversary, situated in the heart of Silicon Valley and known for its commitment to supporting a richly diverse student body—including refugees, single parents, and underrepresented populations.
• The campus currently serves about 7,000 students per semester, with 75% on financial aid and many balancing work and family responsibilities. Most are part-time students.
  • Quote [05:36]:
    “Mission College is a federally recognized HSI—Hispanic Serving Institution—and AANAPISI: Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander Serving Institution.” — Dr. Awan

Dr. Sahara Awan’s Path & Leadership Philosophy (02:46–04:48, 28:58–31:36)

• Dr. Awan’s own background as a community college student and the daughter of immigrants deeply informs her work.
  • Quote [03:46]:
    “Becoming a college president was never really part of the plan, but… it called to me... The equity work, the values of our institution called to me.”
• She emphasizes authentic, student-centered leadership and the need for accessible, supportive environments.

Embracing and Integrating AI at Mission College (07:10–11:25)

• Mission College is the first California community college partnering officially with NVIDIA for AI education; faculty are NVIDIA-certified and offer mapped curriculum.
• The college has launched an AI certificate program with free tuition and free meals for local students, ensuring accessibility.
• AI is used operationally, too: e.g., the Mission CARES form automation leverages agentic AI to triage student needs (housing, food, other supports), instantly connecting students with resources and reducing staff workload.
  • Quote [10:38]:
    “Now a manager just gets an email that says these students applied and qualify for your program. The student automatically gets information the minute they click submit.” — Dr. Awan

Faculty and Staff: Adapting to AI—Openness, Concerns, and Knowledge Sharing (12:21–14:29)

• Faculty responses to AI vary—from eager first adopters to more cautious observers.
• Ongoing professional learning and internal knowledge-sharing (including plans for an “AI Task Force” and an “AI Summit”) build collective confidence and capacity.
  • Quote [12:38]:
    “It’s always going to be mixed... but I will say everyone has kept an open mind, which I appreciate.” — Dr. Awan

Ensuring Technology is Equitable and Accessible (15:31–17:09, 22:35–26:01)

• Mission College proactively works to address the digital divide—prioritizing zero-cost textbooks, college-wide licenses for key AI tools (such as ChatGPT in labs), and providing laptops/hotspots.
• Investments in resources like Zoom Pods offer quiet, private spaces for students juggling both in-person and remote classes.
  • Quote [23:24]:
    “These are imperfect systems that were never built for students of color, for women, for… the majority… So how can we level the playing field?” — Dr. Awan

Preparing Students and Faculty for the AI-Enabled Workforce (18:17–20:09, 32:19–33:45)

• Dissemination of information via newsletters, town halls, and partnerships with companies ensures everyone stays up to date.
• Paid internships—often in collaboration with local tech, university, and transportation industry partners—are central to building real-world skills and supporting economic mobility.
  • Quote [20:05]:
    “At the end of the day… What problem are we trying to solve? Who are our end users? What outcomes do we want?... That guides the work.” — Dr. Awan

Professional Development & Student Support Initiatives (20:42–21:58)

• Highlights include paid internships with Stanford, NVIDIA, and Applied Materials, along with the only transportation apprenticeship program in the nation.
• The aim is to minimize unpaid work (which is often inaccessible to working students) and promote workforce diversity.
  • Quote [21:12]:
    “They don’t have free time to give you. So those paid internships have made a huge difference.” — Dr. Awan

Hybrid Learning and Post-Pandemic Student Life (26:35–28:31)

• Mission College now operates with roughly 60% in-person and 40% online classes, reflecting student preference for hybrid convenience and flexibility.
  • Quote [27:37]:
    “The way it’s really gone after the pandemic has been about a 60% in person, 40% online... a mix of both these days... for convenience.” — Dr. Awan

Vision for the Future of Community Colleges (31:36–33:45)

• Community colleges, if proactively partnered with local employers, will remain key drivers of workforce development and equity in the face of constant technological change.
  • Quote [32:19]:
    “If community colleges are not at the forefront, the equity gaps that exist will be bigger... It’s about being a partner and building this for you.” — Dr. Awan

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Student Impact [15:31]:
  “We start all of our decision making with centering the students. How is what we’re doing going to impact students? What do they need from us to be successful?” — Dr. Sahara Awan
• On Fear and Excitement Around AI [14:59]:
  “Listening to you describe the mix of excitement and some fear and trepidation makes me think of… when the Internet started to become a mainstream thing. Similar but different conversations.” — Noah Kravitz
• On Equity and Innovation [24:59]:
  “My vision at Mission College is to create a college that doesn’t exist—one that has 100% success rates and no equity gaps. Until we hit that point, we have work to do.” — Dr. Sahara Awan
• Advice to Students [34:24]:
  “Your dreams matter and you should never stop dreaming... There is only good that can come if you lean in... Don’t quit because someone told you you weren’t good enough...” — Dr. Sahara Awan

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:10–02:46: Introduction to Dr. Sahara Awan & Mission College
• 02:46–04:48: Dr. Awan’s personal journey and vision
• 07:10–11:25: How AI is being integrated at Mission College
• 12:21–14:29: Faculty adaptation and attitudes toward AI
• 15:31–17:09: Addressing equity and access in technology adoption
• 20:42–21:58: Paid internship and professional development initiatives
• 26:35–28:31: Hybrid learning evolution post-pandemic
• 31:36–33:45: The evolving role of community colleges amid rapid tech.
• 34:14–35:33: Dr. Awan’s final advice to students and parents

Further Info

For more about Mission College, visit: missioncollege.edu
Connect on social: @missionscpres, @GoToMissionSC

Episode Takeaway:
Mission College, under Dr. Awan, is a model for how community colleges can blend technology, AI, equity, and community partnership to offer opportunity and belonging to all students—empowering the next generation to thrive in an ever-evolving world.