Iona Launches ‘Education in Real Life’ to Tackle AI in the Workforce

BCW Member Iona University will launch a groundbreaking summer program in May to prepare students for a workplace where Artificial Intelligence is a daily collaborator.

The four-week intensive program focuses on three pillar industries: energy, construction, and hospitality. By blending technical industry insights with liberal arts reflection, the program ensures students develop “human intelligence” alongside technological fluency.

“The best way to ask questions about what’s ahead is to start with what leaders in key sectors are already doing,” said Iona President Seamus Carey. “At Iona, we see artificial intelligence as a partner to the real intelligence education fosters—and that the real world demands.”

Participants will engage in a mix of coursework, site visits, and direct dialogue with high-level executives. The inaugural partners are Eos Energy Enterprises; Consigli Construction Co., Inc.; Union Square Hospitality Group; Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; John Crabtree, a legendary Westchester restaurateur.

Through these partnerships, students will explore how digital technologies are reconfiguring strategy and operations while reading foundational texts that provide context to human experience within these fields.

To support its first cohort, Iona is offering significant incentives. The program will welcome 20 first- and second-year students who will receive a $1,000 stipend and three academic credits.

Applications are currently open for the May launch.