Middlesex College students Simel Noori and Nina Salamatova are two of five students selected statewide for the AI for Impact New Jersey Community College Fellowship, a semester-long experiential learning program in partnership with the New Jersey State Office of Innovation.
Noori, an engineering student, and Salamatova, a political science student, were honored during a ceremony hosted by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) on December 19, 2025.
The AI for Impact New Jersey Community College Fellowship paired community college students with professional advisors at the New Jersey State Office of Innovation, providing hands-on experience in applying artificial intelligence to address government challenges and drive innovation in the public sector. Noori and Salamatova worked 20 hours per week, receiving stipends for their participation, while continuing their academic studies and gaining meaningful work-based learning experience.
The fellowship experience was complemented by a four-month professional-development series focused on data-driven project management, along with in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence technologies. Noori and Salamatova collaborated with Office of Innovation teams to understand partner needs, conduct qualitative and quantitative research, develop responsible, human-centered solutions, manage the design and execution of AI-enabled projects, and present their work to public audiences. Students also gained hands-on experience with industry-leading AI platforms and tools, including large language models, cloud-based AI services, and AI code assistants.
“The AI for Impact Fellowship represents exactly the kind of high-impact, real-world learning experiences we strive to provide at Middlesex College,” said Mark McCormick, President of Middlesex College. “Simel and Nina are outstanding examples of the talent, curiosity, and commitment our students bring to emerging fields like artificial intelligence. Their selection for this highly competitive statewide fellowship speaks not only to their impressive skills and dedication, but also to the power of community colleges to prepare students to lead and innovate in the public sector.”
The AI for Impact Fellowship was administered through a partnership with the NJCCC, with generous funding support from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and hosted by the New Jersey State Office of Innovation.
“This fellowship demonstrates the power of collaboration across higher education, state government, and economic development partners,” said Aaron Fichtner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. “By connecting community college students with real-world projects that improve the lives of New Jerseyans, the AI for Impact fellowship model builds the students’ technical and professional skills, supports the positive impact of the NJ Office of Innovation, and reinforces the role our colleges play in preparing New Jersey’s AI talent pipeline.”