SCC opens first AI Certificate for students and professionals
Scottsdale Community College opens registration for its first AI program, Foundations of Applied Artificial Intelligence, for everyone—students and professionals.
Down to the details. The Foundations of Applied AI certificate is a 9-credit, three-course program designed to help you build practical AI skills you can use right away. No coding experience or computer science background required. This one-semester certificate is recommended for managers, analysts, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to build practical AI fluency.
What to learn. The program introduces core AI concepts, practical tools, and strategies for applying AI across marketing, finance, operations, and customer experience. Designed to be practical and approachable, it focuses on helping students use AI wisely, ethically, and effectively in real-world settings. Through hands-on projects and examples, students will learn how to evaluate AI tools, interpret AI-driven insights, and apply AI in business decision-making.
Bad Birdie, based in Scottsdale, is reshaping golf culture with bold, expressive apparel for a new generation of players. Founded by Jason Richardson, the brand has grown from a side project into a national business focused on modernizing how the game looks and feels.
2026 Business Expo for Non-Brick-and-Mortar Businesses will be held May 13, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at The Holland Center. The event showcases online, home-based, and mobile businesses with opportunities to shop, network, and win prizes.
Best of Arizona Stand-Up Comedy Showcase takes place Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 7:30–9:30 PM at Virginia G. Piper Theater in Old Town Scottsdale. The showcase features a new wave of Arizona’s top stand-up talent delivering sharp, high-energy performances. Tickets start at $31.
Scottsdale Fashion Square Culinary Week runs May 11–15, 2026 at Scottsdale Fashion Square, featuring daily food and cocktail themes across its restaurants. Guests can enjoy curated specials, from Martini Monday to French Fry-day, plus prizes through the “Snap, Tag and Unlock” selfie station.
Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children raised over $500,000 at its April 25 Ovation Gala held at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. The record-setting event drew 400 guests in support of free music education for Phoenix youth.
Scottsdale Artists League Annual Art Competition is on view through May 17 at the Scottsdale Artists’ School and is free to attend. The show features a diverse range of local artists, with award winners earning scholarships to support their studies.
Wine Education Series: Burgundy takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 PM at Jamie's Bottle Shop in Old Town Scottsdale. The session offers a guided tasting and deep dive into the wines of Burgundy, France, for all experience levels.
Thank you for reading today’s newsletter! If you enjoyed it, share it with someone who loves to support local businesses.
— Ben Murray | Founder @ Desert Rundown
Do you have news or events that you'd like us to cover? Reply to this email!
Have questions? Hit reply to this email and we'll help out!
