Charter Oak State College and Google Partner to Launch the Connecticut Online AI Academy

Charter Oak State College, in partnership with Google, is announcing the Connecticut Online AI Academy, a transformative initiative designed to equip Connecticut residents with the foundational skills needed to thrive in an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven workforce. The kickoff event took place today at The Artists Collective in Hartford, bringing together community leaders, industry professionals, and educators to celebrate this groundbreaking program. Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Sen. James Maroney, Charter Oak State College President Ed Klonoski, Connecticut Board of Regents Chair Marty Guay and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam attended and shared remarks about how this effort will help Connecticut residents access future-focused jobs.

The Connecticut Online AI Academy offers a free fully online course accessible to all Connecticut residents 18 and older. This asynchronous program introduces learners to the fundamentals of generative AI, practical applications for productivity, and ethical considerations surrounding AI technologies. Participants who complete the course will receive an industry-recognized Google AI Essentials Certificate to showcase their newly acquired skills. Eighty-two percent of U.S. learners who take Google AI Essentials say the AI skills taught in the course will improve their productivity and or efficiency at their job. For more information and to register for the course, Connecticut residents are encouraged to visit https://workforce.charteroak.edu/.

“In today's fast-paced world, it is an enormous benefit for workers to continually update their skills to match the technology that is moving our economy forward,” said Governor Ned Lamont.

“I’m excited to see the development of the Connecticut Online AI Academy, with a strong partnership between Charter Oak State College and Google," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "This initiative ensures that all Connecticut residents have free access to critical AI skills that will empower them in today’s technology-driven workforce. By creating educational opportunities, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive economy that benefits everyone. I’m proud to see our state continuing to lead the way in innovative workforce development.”

“In today’s rapidly evolving job market, AI skills are not just a luxury but a necessity,” said Dr. David Ferreira, Provost of Charter Oak State College. “The Connecticut Online AI Academy represents our commitment to bridging the skills gap and empowering residents with the tools they need to succeed in the modern workforce across all industries.”

“As AI transforms the way we live and work, Google is committed to helping Connecticut's workforce learn the skills needed to thrive in an AI-focused economy,” said Bronagh Friel, Head of Partnerships at Grow with Google. "We’re proud to collaborate with state leaders and Charter Oak State College to offer Google’s AI Essentials course to Connecticut residents at no cost through the Connecticut Online AI Academy. This partnership is an exciting step to ensure that Connecticut residents can realize the opportunities created by AI.”

“In this ever-changing job market, it’s critical that our skillsets continue to align with technological advancements. This partnership between Charter Oak State College and Google is a game changer for Connecticut and the tech market and is a world-class example of how Charter Oak, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, and the private sector can work together to develop a skilled talent pipeline that benefits employers in the public and private sectors,” said CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng.

The need for AI literacy in the workplace is urgent. LinkedIn’s 2024 Work Trend Index Annual report  revealed that while 66% of leaders prioritize hiring employees with AI skills over those with traditional experience, 52% of workers admit they lack the knowledge to use generative AI effectively. “The Connecticut Online AI Academy is a timely response to these challenges,” said Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Office of Workforce Strategies Chief Workforce Officer. “By offering this program at no cost, we’re providing Connecticut residents with the knowledge and confidence to navigate an AI-enabled future.”

Charter Oak State College, known for its innovative approach to online education, is leading the charge in AI workforce development. The Academy aligns with the college’s mission to provide dynamic and industry-relevant education to working professionals and lifelong learners.