黑料吃瓜网 State Sen. has long been a vocal advocate for regulating artificial intelligence, likening the current environment to the Legislation addressing AI regulation remains contentious, with Maroney passionately supportive and . But the two have found common ground on one AI initiative: the launch of .
As a partnership between Google and Charter Oak State College, the academy offers state residents one month of free training in generative AI, which are tools that can compose documents, generate images, help program code or perform other work. The academy, which awards participants an industry-recognized credential, exceeded expectations in its first week.
鈥淚n the first three days, we had more sign-ups than our goal had been for the full year,鈥� Maroney said. 鈥淥ur goal had been to train 1,000 黑料吃瓜网 residents in the first year, and we already have a waiting list.鈥�
This overwhelming demand reflects the growing importance of generative AI skills in today鈥檚 workforce. Maroney said by LinkedIn and Microsoft, which has its own generative AI product, revealed that two-thirds of knowledge economy companies would not hire someone without these skills. Additionally, said they would prioritize candidates with generative AI expertise over more experienced candidates lacking such knowledge.
鈥淭hese statistics underscore why this training is critical,鈥� Maroney said. 鈥淲hat happens if we鈥檙e removing the bottom rung of the ladder for jobs like customer service representatives and administrative assistants? These are positions where talented people often start and work their way up. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 vital to provide this training 鈥� it鈥檚 a first step in ensuring our workforce is prepared for the future.鈥�
A credential for all industries
The AI Academy program includes five lessons and awards participants the upon completion. While this credential doesn鈥檛 qualify one for a specific job, it does signal to employers that the holder of it has the foundational AI skills increasingly required across industries.
鈥淭his is more general,鈥� Maroney explained. 鈥淚t鈥檚 to show employers that you have generative AI skills. It鈥檚 a critical skill for employees in any field.鈥�
As the program continues to grow, Maroney emphasized the importance of inclusivity and scalability. Since the academy has already surpassed the goal of enrolling 1,000 participants, additional slots are being added to meet demand. , is working on adding more slots to get people started as soon as possible, Maroney said.
鈥淭his is only the beginning,鈥� he said. 鈥淕oogle has donated the licenses, and they鈥檒l likely donate more.鈥�
The are needed to access and use specific Google software, platforms, or tools related to AI instruction. Google鈥檚 commitment to donating these licenses is one of the main factors that keeps the 黑料吃瓜网 Online AI Academy project free to students.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a great example of a public-private partnership,鈥� Maroney said.
Preparing for an AI-driven future
Maroney sees the AI Academy as part of a broader effort to ensure that 黑料吃瓜网 residents are not left behind in the rapidly evolving job market. He credited the collaboration between Charter Oak, Google and the governor鈥檚 office for the program鈥檚 success and emphasized the importance of collective action.
鈥淎 rising tide raises all boats,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his program ensures that all 黑料吃瓜网 residents have the chance to succeed in a knowledge economy increasingly driven by AI.鈥�
How to sign up
黑料吃瓜网 residents interested in joining the AI Academy can visit the to register. New slots are expected to open regularly to accommodate the high demand.
