Future Ready Now: Menlo College Expands AI & Analytics Major Through Student Innovation, Ethical AI, and Silicon Valley Partnerships Posted on June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 by George Retelas California’s first AI & Analytics major combines artificial intelligence, business, ethics, and experiential learning to prepare students for the future of work. ATHERTON, Calif. — As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, employers are increasingly seeking graduates who can combine technical expertise with creativity, critical thinking, and ethical judgment. Across higher education, institutions are racing to prepare students for a workforce being transformed by AI. In the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is helping lead that evolution with its AI & Analytics major. “At Menlo College, we’re preparing students to lead in an AI-shaped economy by combining technical fluency with business insight, ethical reasoning, and hands-on, industry-connected learning,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “Our AI & Analytics major and initiatives like our generative AI pilot reflect our Future Ready Now commitment, helping graduates use AI responsibly and creatively to solve real-world problems.” Menlo College President Steven Weiner (left) and Melissa Michelson (right) present an award to Luciana Rodriguez, Freshman Class President for the Class of 2029 and an Artificial Intelligence & Analytics major, during Menlo College’s Honors Convocation on April 23, 2026. The annual ceremony recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service. Photo credit: Menlo College / Kayla Stuart According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, technological advancements including artificial intelligence are expected to transform millions of jobs globally over the coming decade, increasing demand for workers who can combine technical expertise with uniquely human skills. California’s First AI & Analytics Degree In Fall 2025, Menlo College became the first college in California to launch a Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Artificial Intelligence & Analytics, positioning students at the intersection of technology, business, ethics, and innovation. “Higher education must anticipate the future rather than react to it,” said Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business. “Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we have both a unique opportunity and a responsibility to equip future leaders with the technical knowledge, ethical foundation, and innovative mindset needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.” Just minutes from many of the world’s leading technology companies, Menlo College provides students with direct access to entrepreneurs, investors, founders, and industry leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence and innovation. Key Facts California’s first Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Artificial Intelligence & Analytics was launched in Fall 2025. Students combine AI, data analytics, business strategy, ethical reasoning, and experiential learning. AmplifyAI provides faculty, staff, and students access to more than 20 leading AI models. Students are applying AI through entrepreneurship, venture creation, workforce innovation, and research. The Future Ready Now strategy integrates AI literacy, industry engagement, and career preparation. The Human Skills AI Cannot Replace That focus on preparing students for a rapidly changing future was echoed by Christoph Burkhardt, Menlo College’s 2026 commencement speaker, who challenged graduates to think beyond technology and focus on the uniquely human qualities AI cannot replicate. While artificial intelligence can increasingly generate answers, Burkhardt argued that the future will belong to those who ask better questions, think creatively, and pursue ideas with curiosity and purpose. “What’s the question you can’t answer right now that will drive all your exploration for the next ten years?” he asked graduates. “AI has no chance of coming up with any of those questions.” Commencement speaker Christoph Burkhardt addresses graduates during Menlo College’s 98th Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2026. Burkhardt, an innovation strategist and futurist, challenged members of the Class of 2026 to embrace curiosity, ask bold questions, and lead with creativity in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Photo credit: Menlo College / Kayla Stuart His message reinforced a central theme of Menlo College’s approach to AI education: technical fluency alone is not enough. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life and work, students must also develop creativity, critical thinking, ethical judgment, and human-centered leadership to thrive in the innovation economy. From Afghanistan to Artificial Intelligence The program has also attracted students from around the world who are seeking to combine AI education with Silicon Valley opportunities and global career pathways. Among them is Nargess Hassani, who graduated in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Business, majoring in Artificial Intelligence & Analytics, as a member of the program’s inaugural graduating class. After arriving at Menlo College from Afghanistan in 2022, where political upheaval had disrupted educational opportunities for women, Hassani began a new chapter just as advances in artificial intelligence were transforming industries and reshaping the future of work. As she adapted to life in the United States, she also discovered a passion for technology, innovation, and problem-solving, transforming adversity into opportunity. Nargess Hassani ’26, a member of the inaugural graduating class of Menlo College’s AI & Analytics major, reflects on her journey from Afghanistan to Silicon Valley. Photo credit: Menlo College / George Retelas Inspired by the power of education to create new possibilities, she began exploring how emerging technologies could be used to solve real-world challenges. Over four years, she pursued independent projects involving computer vision, image recognition, machine learning, and AI-powered career tools. One recent project involved developing an application that helps job seekers evaluate how closely their resumes align with specific job descriptions, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be applied to address workforce challenges. “I have the power to believe in myself—that I can make it.”Nargess Hassani ’26 Building Solutions Through AI “I challenged myself to build an end-to-end application to help job seekers better understand how their resumes align with a specific job description,” said Hassani. “My goal was not only to learn more about AI and full-stack development, but also to create something practical that could help people improve their job search process.” Through projects like these, Hassani discovered the value of experiential learning and problem-solving. “One of the biggest lessons I learned is that the best way to learn new technologies is by building something real,” she said. “Every challenge, bug, and deployment issue became an opportunity to grow and improve my skills. I’m excited to continue exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, business analytics, and data analytics through future projects.” Hassani’s commitment to education and opportunity extends beyond technology. In her TEDx Menlo College talk, We Are Not a Footnote: The Unsilenced Voice of the Afghan Girl, she reflected on resilience, identity, and the importance of ensuring that young women have access to education and the opportunity to shape their own futures. Her journey reflects how education, mentorship, and experiential learning can empower students to transform challenges into opportunities for innovation and leadership. Nargess Hassani ’26 delivers her TEDx Menlo College talk, We Are Not a Footnote: The Unsilenced Voice of the Afghan Girl, on November 15, 2025. Photo credit: Menlo College / Kayla Stuart Turning Ideas Into Reality With AI That same spirit of innovation can be found in Lachlan Ming ’27, an international student from Australia who is combining athletics, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology. A member of the Menlo College tennis team, Ming has leveraged AI tools to streamline daily tasks and launch GNG Engine, a platform designed to connect Australians studying at U.S. colleges and universities. Lachlan Ming ’27 balances the demands of collegiate tennis and academics while pursuing his passion for artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. An international student from Australia majoring in Artificial Intelligence & Analytics, Ming leverages AI tools to transform ideas into innovative projects and explore new applications of emerging technologies. Photo credit: Menlo College / Miranda Canniff His experience reflects how advances in generative AI are lowering barriers to innovation, enabling students to transform ideas into working products and ventures. This summer, Ming and fellow AI & Analytics students are building on that momentum as participants in the AI Venture Velocity Challenge hosted by Texas A&M University, where they are applying AI to develop new drone scanning technologies. “AI has become a bridge that allows people like me to turn ideas into reality.”Lachlan Ming ’27 Together, their experiences illustrate how Menlo College students are using artificial intelligence not only to understand emerging technologies, but also to solve problems, launch ventures, and explore questions that matter to them. Lachlan Ming ’27 collaborates with classmates on AI-powered business and analytics projects as part of Menlo College’s Artificial Intelligence & Analytics program, applying emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges. Photo credit: Menlo College / George Retelas Leading With Ethics and Responsibility For Luciana Rodriguez ’29, a San Jose native and rising sophomore in Menlo College’s Artificial Intelligence & Analytics program, the curriculum’s emphasis on ethics is just as important as its technical foundations. Luciana Rodriguez ’29 works with AI-powered technologies on the Menlo College campus. Rodriguez is a rising sophomore in the College’s Artificial Intelligence & Analytics program, which combines technical skills, ethical reasoning, and experiential learning to prepare students for careers in the innovation economy. Photo credit: Menlo College / Miranda Canniff “AI is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace, and Menlo College’s Artificial Intelligence & Analytics program has taught me how to use AI as a tool for innovation, growth, and problem-solving rather than as a substitute for learning and critical thinking,” said Rodriguez. “Through courses like AI Ethics with Professor Tahereh Saheb, I’ve also learned the importance of responsible AI governance and understanding the broader societal impact of these technologies.” That emphasis on responsible innovation is intentionally embedded throughout the curriculum. Dr. Tahereh Saheb, who teaches in the program and helped develop its curriculum, said students examine both the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, including AI governance, data ethics, algorithmic bias, and responsible innovation. “I want to help create a future where AI is not only transformative, but also ethical, safe, and human-centered.”Luciana Rodriguez ’29 Luciana Rodriguez ’29 (center), a Menlo College Artificial Intelligence & Analytics student, joins Congressman Sam Liccardo and fellow classmates during the launch celebration of the Menlo College Latino Leadership Program on February 20, 2026. The program provides leadership development, mentorship, civic engagement, and professional growth opportunities, helping students develop the communication, leadership, and community-centered skills that complement technical education in preparing future-ready leaders. Photo credit: Menlo College / Kayla Stuart Building a Future-Ready Ecosystem Menlo College is expanding access to emerging technologies through a six-month pilot of AmplifyAI, a higher education-focused platform developed at Vanderbilt University and implemented through CR8.io. The platform provides faculty, staff, and students with secure access to more than 20 leading AI models while supporting AI literacy, AI fluency, prompt engineering, responsible AI use, and innovation. The pilot reflects Menlo College’s broader commitment to future-ready learning through The Menlo Edge: Future Ready Initiative, which integrates emerging technologies, experiential education, career preparation, and industry-connected learning throughout the student experience. “As AI tools rapidly transform every industry, it is essential that our students develop AI fluency and the ethical reasoning needed to use these technologies responsibly,” said Angela Schmiede, Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success. “Launching the AmplifyAI pilot reflects Menlo College’s commitment to innovation and preparing graduates for a world where AI literacy is foundational. This initiative aligns directly with our strategic plan and strengthens our Future Ready Now ecosystem.” As businesses increasingly integrate generative AI into everyday operations, preparing students for the future of work requires more than classroom instruction alone. An aerial view of Menlo College’s campus in Atherton, California, highlights the College’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley. Situated near Stanford University and some of the world’s leading technology companies, Menlo College provides students with direct access to innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-connected learning opportunities. Photo credit: Menlo College / George Retelas AI Literacy Beyond the Classroom Menlo College complements academic learning with opportunities for students to engage directly with entrepreneurs, investors, civic leaders, and technology professionals shaping the future of artificial intelligence and innovation. This spring, events hosted by the Menlo College Business & Environment Club and Investment Club connected students with entrepreneurs, investors, civic leaders, and technology professionals to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers, business, and venture capital. These experiences reinforce the College’s emphasis on AI literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship while helping students apply classroom learning to real-world opportunities. Students walk across the Menlo College campus toward Brawner Hall, a central academic and administrative building in the heart of the College’s Atherton campus. Menlo College’s Silicon Valley location provides students with opportunities to connect classroom learning with industry engagement, experiential education, and career preparation. Photo credit: Menlo College / Miranda Canniff Industry Leaders on the Future of AI Menlo College’s AI ecosystem is further strengthened by alumni and industry leaders who help connect classroom learning with real-world innovation. Among them is Hans Sandhu, Class of 2013 and Chief Business Officer at TheAgentic, who regularly mentors students and participates in career and entrepreneurship initiatives. “The biggest misconception about AI is that the future belongs to those with the best technology,” said Sandhu. “In reality, the future belongs to those who understand problems best. As AI continues to lower barriers to building software, value shifts toward business judgment, domain expertise, creativity, and execution.” Hans Sandhu leads a breakout session during Menlo College Career Connect Day on March 11, 2026. Sandhu shared insights on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and the future of work, connecting students with industry perspectives and career pathways in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Photo credit: Menlo College / Miranda Canniff Sandhu believes Menlo College’s combination of AI education, entrepreneurship, and business fundamentals gives students a distinct advantage in the innovation economy. “Menlo College is uniquely positioned to prepare students for that future by combining AI education with the entrepreneurial and business foundations needed to turn ideas into real-world outcomes,” he said. “It was one of the best decisions of my life to come here.” Preparing Future Ready Leaders As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine the future of work, Menlo College is creating opportunities for students not only to understand emerging technologies, but to build with them, question them, and lead responsibly with them. Through Silicon Valley connections, experiential learning, and its Future Ready Now vision, Menlo College is preparing graduates to transform ideas into solutions, navigate emerging technologies responsibly, and help shape the future of work. Learn more about Menlo College’s Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Artificial Intelligence & Analytics and how students are becoming Future Ready Now. Menlo College’s iconic “M” sculpture is overlaid with an AI-inspired digital network visualization, symbolizing the College’s commitment to innovation, emerging technologies, and preparing students to be Future Ready Now in an increasingly connected world. Photo credit: Menlo College / George Retelas Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact 650-543-3753.
Menlo College and Atherton Community Convene for “Future of AI” Seminar Posted on April 24, 2026April 27, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College, in collaboration with the Atherton Senior Task Force and the Atherton Library, recently hosted a community-focused seminar exploring the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on careers and employment opportunities. Held at the Atherton Library on April 22, 2026, the event brought together students, local residents, and industry-minded attendees for an engaging discussion on how AI is shaping the future of work. Titled “How AI Will Change Careers and Future Employment Opportunities,” the seminar highlighted the growing importance of understanding AI across all industries. Featured panelists in the Atherton Artificial Intelligence Seminar. Entrance to the Atherton Library. Fabian Eggers introduces panelists, Eric Lane, Sonia Saheb, Sam Thapaliya, and Lars Fassler. The event was initiated through a collaboration between Menlo College’s Business & Environment Club and Atherton community leader Ken Frederick. Menlo College student leaders Lars Faessler, Carlotta Stern, and Marc Hegele, all members of Menlo College’s 2025 Global Scaling Challenge championship team, connected with Frederick to explore ways to engage the local community around emerging technologies. Sam Thapaliya and Lars Fassler. “Organizing this seminar gave us the opportunity to take ownership of an important topic and bring together voices from across campus and the community to learn from one another,” said Marc Hegele, an Entrepreneurship and Innovation major. Supported by Menlo College President Steven Weiner, the group launched the seminar as a pilot initiative designed to bring academic expertise and community insight into one shared space. “By convening our students and neighbors in conversations about AI, we’re creating the conditions for shared learning that benefits everyone. Understanding AI isn’t a luxury reserved for technologists, it’s a civic responsibility,” said President Weiner. “When academic institutions and communities collaborate like this, we don’t just prepare students for the future; we collectively author it.” The seminar featured presentations from Menlo College faculty and Atherton leaders, including Assistant Professor of Business Analytics & Information Systems Dr. Sonia Saheb, Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Dr. Fabian Eggers, and Atherton City Council Member Eric Lane. Eric Lane. Speakers explored how generative AI is expected to reshape the labor market, emphasizing that, rather than eliminating jobs, AI is likely to create new, high-demand roles centered on human-AI collaboration. Attendees gained insight into how these shifts will impact future career paths and the skills needed to succeed. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants engaged directly with speakers to ask questions and share perspectives. Feedback gathered during the discussion will help inform a larger “AI & Careers” workshop planned for September. Marc Hegele. Conor Morger. “What spreadsheets once did for efficiency, generative AI is now doing for creativity in city governance,” said Professor Saheb. The seminar reflects Menlo College’s continued commitment to experiential learning, community engagement, and preparing students and the broader public to navigate and lead in an AI-driven future. Entrance to the Atherton Library. Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Investing Club Partners with Foothill College for AI × VC Panel Exploring the Future of Venture Capital Posted on February 20, 2026February 27, 2026 by George Retelas Los Altos Hills, Calif. — Students, founders, and investors from across Silicon Valley gathered at Foothill College on February 19 for AI × VC: Redefining the Value of the Future, a dynamic cross-college collaboration between the Menlo College Investing Club and the Foothill College Startup Club. Held in the Foothill College Dining Hall, the afternoon event explored how artificial intelligence is transforming venture capital across industries, from startup valuation and investor behavior to due diligence and deal-making. The panel brought together leaders representing multiple sectors and stages of investment to share insights on how founders can strategically position themselves in an increasingly AI-driven capital landscape. Rightful Fong, Bill Sautter, Leon Jon, Tonya J. Long, Konstantine Gugunava, and Jimena Ortiz. Panelists included Bill Sautter, a veteran investor and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience spanning venture capital and mergers and acquisitions; Leon Jon, an early-stage investor at MS&AD Ventures focused on scaling high-growth startups; Tonya J. Long, a venture strategist and capital formation expert specializing in AI-driven innovation and structured investment vehicles; and Konstantine Gugunava, an early-stage founder building ventures at the intersection of fintech and artificial intelligence. The event featured an interactive Q&A session, followed by dedicated networking time that connected students directly with venture capitalists, founders, and Menlo College representatives, including transfer admissions staff. For many attendees, the opportunity to engage face-to-face with active investors provided practical insight into what venture firms are prioritizing in today’s competitive funding environment. Foothill student Rightful Fong and Menlo student Jimena Ortiz. “As a senior, I want to leverage the connections built through the club and give back to Menlo College through impact, visibility, and community efforts,” said Jimena Ortiz, Finance and Business Analytics double major and President of the Menlo College Investing Club. In addition to examining AI’s role in venture capital, the event highlighted educational pathways for students interested in pursuing bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Analytics and Finance at Menlo College. The cross-college partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for innovation-driven industries and the rapidly evolving future of work. Menlo College Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu Foothill College Press Contact: penningtonsimon@fhda.edu About Foothill College: Founded in 1957, Foothill College is a nationally recognized public community college located in Los Altos Hills and part of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. The college serves more than 13,000 students annually and is known for its academic excellence, innovative programs, and strong transfer pathways to leading universities, including the University of California and California State University systems. Foothill offers a wide range of associate degrees, career technical education, and certificate programs designed to prepare students for both the workforce and continued study. With a longstanding commitment to equity, access, and student success, Foothill College plays a vital role in developing Silicon Valley’s skilled workforce and advancing educational opportunity in the region. About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business, psychology, and Artificial Intelligence, as well as graduate degrees including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
