In a move aimed at strengthening the nation’s workforce, Verizon is committing $70 million to a nationwide artificial‑intelligence (AI) training program. The effort, announced on Wednesday, will target job seekers, small‑business owners and educators, offering them access to curriculum and tools from leading technology firms such as IBM, Google, Anthropic, Microsoft and OpenAI.
Partnerships with nonprofit and tech leaders
Verizon is teaming up with major nonprofit programs, most notably Goodwill Industries, to reach “hundreds of thousands” of participants. Goodwill’s extensive network of community centers will serve as local hubs where learners can engage with the training resources. By leveraging the expertise of industry giants, the program promises hands‑on experience with the same AI platforms that power today’s most innovative businesses.
Why AI training matters for American families
“AI will change the face of the workforce,” Verizon CEO Dan Schulman said in an interview. “You have to do this in order to protect the democracy.” Schulman emphasized that equipping workers with AI skills is not only an economic imperative but also a safeguard for the nation’s democratic values, ensuring that citizens can participate fully in a technology‑driven economy.
The initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s focus on workforce development and American competitiveness. By expanding access to cutting‑edge training, the program supports families seeking stable, well‑paid jobs and helps small businesses adopt AI tools that can boost productivity and growth.
Funding model and call to action for other corporations
Schulman urged other large corporations to follow Verizon’s lead. “It’s in the self‑interest of all business leaders to step up,” he said. “If every Fortune 100 company put $50 million or $70 million into this, we would have a multibillion‑dollar fund.” The vision is to create a collaborative funding pool that can sustain and expand AI education for years to come.
Building on prior Verizon investments
Last year Verizon announced a $20 million investment to help departing employees acquire AI skills after a workforce reduction of 13,000 jobs. The new $70 million commitment adds $50 million to that earlier effort, signaling a long‑term strategy to reskill the American labor force.
Impact on local economies
While the program is national in scope, its implementation will be felt most directly in local communities. Goodwill centers across the country will host training sessions, creating new learning opportunities in neighborhoods that have traditionally faced barriers to high‑tech education. Small‑business owners will gain practical AI applications that can streamline operations, reduce costs and open new revenue streams.
Educators, too, will benefit from curriculum that integrates AI concepts into classroom instruction, preparing the next generation of students for a future where digital literacy is essential.
Looking ahead
Verizon’s AI training initiative represents a significant private‑sector contribution to the nation’s workforce development agenda. By partnering with nonprofits and leveraging the expertise of leading tech firms, the program aims to empower individuals, strengthen families and bolster the broader economy. As other corporations consider similar investments, the collaborative model could become a cornerstone of America’s response to rapid technological change.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
