Artificial intelligence is becoming a foundational skill for success in nearly every profession, transforming the way people learn, work, and solve problems across industries. As employers increasingly expect their workers to understand and use AI responsibly and effectively, expanding access to AI education has become an urgent workforce and economic priority.
To address that need, San Diego State University is co-leading AI-Ready California, the nation’s first pilot state-wide microcredentials program offered to Californians interested in increasing their AI literacy and preparing to join the workforce of the future.
“Just as digital literacy was established a generation ago, artificial intelligence has quickly become a foundational job skill,” he said. James P. FrazeeVice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at SDSU.
“AI-Ready California is designed to ensure that all Californians, regardless of their background or career path, have the opportunity to use AI responsibly and effectively and build the knowledge, judgment, and confidence to be competitive in a changing workforce,” said Frazee, who is also a founding member of the California State University AI Workforce Acceleration Board.
This initiative was developed through the CSU-Industry AI Workforce Acceleration Board and SDSU in partnership with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, California Community Colleges, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Instructor.
“AI-Ready California reflects what public higher education does best: education, industry, and government work together to expand opportunity and prepare Californians for the jobs of the future,” said the SDSU president. Adela de la Torre.
The initial pilot will begin with 500 participants drawn from both the San Diego Community College District and individuals participating in the San Diego Regional Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program.
“Through partnerships between higher education, government, and industry, we are creating an accessible entry point that prepares people not only to use today’s AI tools, but to adapt and grow as work continues to evolve,” Frazee said.
Students complete their programs through the SDSU Global Campus. For more information about AI-Ready California, including registration information and program requirements, please visit the SDSU Global Campus webpage.
This initiative addresses urgent training and education needs
AI-Ready California is James Irvine Foundationreflects the growing recognition that AI literacy is becoming an essential competency in the workforce.
The initiative aims to equip Californians with essential AI knowledge through online learning experiences focused on two areas: responsible use of AI and real-world workforce applications. Participants will learn how to use AI safely and ethically, while developing skills that support productivity, career advancement, and long-term adaptability in an evolving labor market.
“With AI‑Ready California, we are working to ensure that Californians, regardless of their background or experience, have the skills and confidence they need to use AI responsibly and productively,” said California Department of Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Stewart Knox. “Our partnerships with higher education and industry reflect our shared commitment to preparing Californians for the jobs of tomorrow by expanding access to learning today.”
“Through partnerships between higher education, government, and industry, we are building an accessible entry point that prepares people not only to use today’s AI tools, but also to adapt and grow as work continues to evolve.”
Upon successful completion, participants will earn an AI Literacy micro-certification that will serve as an additional educational opportunity, workforce development resource, and path to career advancement while demonstrating foundational AI competencies to employers.
“San Diego Community College District is proud to help launch this initiative because AI literacy should be accessible to all Californians from all backgrounds, zip codes, and life stages,” he said. Gregory Smithpresident of the San Diego Community College District.
“As AI continues to reshape learning and work, community colleges have a critical role to play in closing equity gaps in education and employment while preparing students and communities to fully participate in the economy of the future,” Smith said.
California’s efforts build on years of AI research and training
For SDSU, this initiative builds on the university’s commitment to innovation, workforce development, and expanding educational access through strategic partnerships to prepare learners for new opportunities.
In 2023, SDSU launched one of the most comprehensive studies in artificial intelligence. This study introduced new and previously unknown information about the awareness, adoption, and use of AI among students, faculty, and staff. The findings formed the basis for the development of university training, education, and resource materials, as well as expanded support for the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.
That same year, the Academic Applications of AI (AAAI) Micro-Credential was developed at SDSU and launched in spring 2024. Since then, the training program has expanded significantly, adding new modules, training, and guidance designed for students, faculty, and staff across the CSU system, as well as employees in departments outside of CSU.
In 2025, CSU, the nation’s largest and most diverse public four-year university, announced a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership to advance AI training and tools across its system. At that time, CSU also announced the creation of the AI Workforce Acceleration Board. SDSU is a founding member.
In the same year, SDSU took an additional significant step to improve access to AI tools through a partnership with CSU and OpenAI, providing the campus community with free access to ChatGPT Edu, a version of the highly popular generative AI tool designed specifically for higher education, as well as expanding access to other AI tools. Other products currently include Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, NotebookLM, and other tools and resources.
“Building on San Diego State University’s early leadership in AI education, we are working with our partners to scale this effort to make basic AI literacy available to more Californians and ensure more people have the skills and confidence to thrive in a changing economy,” de la Torre said.
“As artificial intelligence changes the skills employers need and the opportunities available to workers, California has an opportunity to take the lead by ensuring artificial intelligence literacy is within everyone’s reach,” Delatorre said. “This initiative reflects our commitment to preparing learners for evolving careers while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of our state’s workforce and economy.”
