YORKTOWN — The United Way of the Virginia Peninsula announced this week that the United Way, in collaboration with Microsoft, is launching a new AI Skill-A-Thon.
The free, 30-day skilling competition aims to help local professionals, jobseekers, students and employers learn basic knowledge, skills and competencies in AI to help them in their chosen career path. Participants in the Skill-A-Thon will be able to earn professional certificates to demonstrate their AI knowledge and win cash prizes up to $1,500, the organization said.
Through its skills initiatives, Microsoft has helped train and certify more than 12 million people around the world with digital and AI skills for in-demand jobs, according to the announcement.
As part of Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative, all courses in the Skill-A-Thon are free to complete and available online via smartphone, tablet, desktop, or laptop. While there is an emphasis on AI-skills, participants can also choose from courses that offer entry-level digital skills, soft skills, or essential role-based skills for in-demand careers. The courses are accessible in both English and Spanish and are designed to introduce learners to new skills in an on-demand format, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula said. Anyone 16 and older can take part, including employers or individuals.
Participants can register in one of three age categories: 16-24 years old, 25-49 years old, and 50 years and older.
Prizes for each category:
- First place: $1,500
- Second place: $1,000
- Third place: $600
- Fourth place: $250
The AI Skill-A-Thon begins on Sept. 1 at 12:01 a.m. and will conclude on Sept. 30 at 11:59 p.m. For more information and to register, visit United Way of the Virginia Peninsula | Community Skills Initiative (communityskilling.org).
