California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that the state has signed agreements with four of the world’s largest technology companies—Google, Adobe, IBM, and Microsoft—to prepare Californians for an AI-driven future. The initiative, launched at no cost to the state, will expand access to artificial intelligence training and tools for more than two million students across high schools, community colleges, and California State Universities.
The partnerships will bring cutting-edge AI resources into classrooms, equip faculty with training, and create pathways for students to transition into high-paying careers. Google will provide free AI training programs and courses for both students and educators, while Adobe will integrate AI-powered tools such as Firefly and Express into schools. IBM will expand its SkillsBuild program across community colleges, offering credentials in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, and Microsoft will continue its AI bootcamps and workforce training through the community college system.
Officials emphasized that the agreements will ensure equitable access to AI tools while supporting California’s role as the global leader in generative AI. “Leveraging the state’s leadership in technology to train the current and future generation of California workers positions us to remain the world’s leader in emerging technologies,” said Nick Maduros, Secretary of California’s Government Operations Agency.
California is already home to 33 of the world’s top 50 private AI companies and has been a pioneer in advancing responsible AI policy. In 2023, Newsom signed an executive order setting out ethical guidelines for state adoption of AI, followed earlier this year by the release of the *California Report on Frontier AI Policy*.
The new agreements represent the latest step in ensuring Californians are not only prepared for the jobs of tomorrow but also equipped to shape the future of artificial intelligence responsibly.
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