Connecticut AI Academy will expand over the next few years after high demand for registration.
Connecticut launched its Academy of Artificial Intelligence Program earlier this year. The Certificate Program, a partnership between Charter Oak State College and Google, has been receiving high registrations since its launch.
Nancy Taylor is the executive director of workforce development at Charter Oak. Taylor said the main curriculum was created and made available through Google Certificates. The coursework focuses on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through interactive videos and class exercises. However, the academy run by Charter Oak contains additional material from university professors.
“Previously, even a year or two ago, 'What kind of work can you do with AI skills?' And that's not the question anymore. “AI literacy training is really necessary for almost everything we're trying to do at all levels of employment.”
Once the program is complete, participants will receive a Google AI Essentials badge that can be posted to LinkedIn or other professional websites. Taylor said another major benefit for residents who have decided to take the course through Charter Oak is that it is completely free.
The Connecticut Legislature provided the funds. It was originally part of a 2024 bill that sought to establish regulations regarding the use of AI in Connecticut and an outline of funding for AI workforce development. The entire bill was not passed, but lawmakers approved funding to establish Connecticut's online AI academy.
Since its launch in January, Taylor said the academy has had high demand. She said that once registration begins, the class will fill up quickly. Taylor said the plan is to continue the program next year and add more course cycles.
“So far, we have 2,000 people. We're only midway through the year, so we have about 2,000 people who have enrolled to take the course or film the next section,” Taylor said. “Obviously, the demand is really there.”
This year, CT Congress passed a bill that funds the project to expand for $500,000 for the next few years and $1 million over two years. In addition to continuing its AI Essentials course, Charter Oak plans to expand its program by offering industry-specific AI certificates. Taylor said he is considering offering AI programs for K-12 education small businesses, nonprofits and educators.
Charter Oak will also consider working with the Boys and Girls Club to establish a Teen AI Academy, which is online and in-person. Taylor said he wants to tailor the needs of today's teenagers, including safety and responsible AI use. The goal is to prepare students for the 2030 job market.
“We need to make sure those students are prepared for the job they are there, so if our students are not currently learning about AI as teenagers, they'll really fall behind when they graduate from college,” Taylor said.
Taylor said Charter Oak will not be able to use the funds until 2026, but it is already beginning to build connections within the community. This fall, the university will meet with experts to develop additional curricula ready to launch next spring.
Connecticut residents interested in AI Academy can register for Charter Oak Website. New slots are expected to open to meet high demand.
