AI Technology Uncovers Thousands of Fraudulent Applications
El Camino College has taken a significant step forward in combating enrollment fraud. During the February 18, 2026 Board of Trustees meeting, Acting Dean of Enrollment Services Dr. Kristina Martinez revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) software, LightLeap AI, successfully detected and flagged more than 4,000 fraudulent student applications for the Spring 2026 semester.
Dr. Martinez emphasized the crucial role of this technology in improving the accuracy of enrollment statistics. “Since implementing LightLeap AI, we’re able to prevent those fraudulent applications from coming into the system… this year you can see there’s a much more natural curve of enrollment,” she explained. The improved detection process has helped the college maintain more reliable student counts, which is especially significant given the ongoing challenge of fraudulent enrollments faced by community colleges.
Widespread Adoption of AI Across California Community Colleges
Fraudulent applications have troubled community colleges across the state for years. According to prior reporting, 116 community colleges in California have adopted LightLeap AI to address this persistent issue. Kerri Webb, Director of Public Information, noted the software’s effectiveness: “We’ve noticed that not only at El Camino, but at other colleges as well who have instituted this type of technology, that the numbers of fraudulent enrollment have gone down so significantly.”
The adoption of AI-based screening tools has been a game changer for institutions striving to ensure legitimate access to educational resources. As fraudulent applications decrease, colleges are better positioned to allocate resources efficiently and meet the needs of genuine students.
Enrollment Numbers and Budget Implications
Vice President of Academic Affairs Carlos Lopez reported that El Camino College (ECC) is now in a stronger position regarding enrollment numbers compared to previous years when fraudulent enrollments were rampant. For Spring 2026, LightLeap AI identified over 4,000 fraudulent enrollments, helping the college stabilize its full-time equivalent student (FTES) count.
ECC’s goal for Spring 2026 is to reach 7,305 FTES, and currently, the college stands at approximately 6,800 FTES. This metric is vital for budget management. Chief Technology Officer Loic Audusseau explained during his presentation that the college’s current $4 million budget deficit hinges on three key conditions: meeting FTES targets, continued funding from Proposition 98, and maintaining strict expenditure controls.
“The administration continues to increment recurring, monitoring, reconciliation, and corrective mechanisms designed to detect and address these variances early on,” Audusseau stated. He cautioned that failure to meet these conditions could force further cuts, impacting hourly staff, student workers, supply orders, travel, and potentially resulting in a hard hiring freeze.
Additional Highlights from the Board Meeting
The February 18 meeting also covered several other important campus updates. One notable topic was the status of the Chemistry building remediation and construction efforts. Progress is currently on hold, pending approval from the Division of the State Architect’s office. The delay has impacted timelines for providing upgraded facilities to students and faculty.
Another key agenda item focused on campus safety. The Board approved a $168,000 contract with MDC Engineers to upgrade more than ten fire alarm panels across the college. The new system aims to unify all panels into a single network, improving response times and overall campus safety.
Additionally, the meeting featured a special performance by student Leanne Bagley, who sang the Black National Anthem in honor of Black History Month, underscoring the college’s commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Looking Ahead
As El Camino College continues to address both operational and financial challenges, the deployment of AI tools like LightLeap AI marks a pivotal move toward securing institutional integrity and promoting transparent enrollment practices. The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at the Kenneth A. Brown Board Room in the Administration Building. College stakeholders and the wider community are encouraged to attend and stay informed about ongoing initiatives and developments.
Overall, the successful use of AI to detect fraudulent applications has positioned El Camino College as a leader in adopting innovative solutions to persistent problems. The impact of this technology reaches beyond just numbers; it enhances the trustworthiness of the college’s admissions process and supports responsible fiscal management during a period of budgetary restraint.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.