Mark Cuban Foundation to bring free AI academy to Springfield

Artificial intelligence is changing the way people work, learn and do business, and Clark State College is bringing a new opportunity to Springfield to help individuals explore the technology and its possibilities. In partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation, a nonprofit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban, Clark State will host the Foundation's AI Academy from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Dec. 7-11 at Clark State’s Springfield Campus, 570 E. Leffel Lane. 

Open to anyone 18 or older, the free academy requires no technical or coding experience. Coffee, lunch and snacks will be provided. Space is limited to 30 participants.

“As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace, Clark State sees opportunities like this as an important part of preparing individuals for the future. AI is already creating new possibilities across industries from health care and manufacturing to business and the skilled trades,” said Dave Ferguson, director of workforce development at Clark State. “Understanding how to use these tools, evaluating the information they generate and applying them responsibly can give individuals an advantage in an evolving job market.  It's not just about knowing how to use AI. It's about understanding how it works, recognizing its potential and limitations, and knowing how to apply it to solve problems and improve the way we work. Partnering with the Mark Cuban Foundation allows us to bring this type of training to our community at no cost. Through the partnership, Clark State is helping extend access to emerging technology and giving individuals an opportunity to develop skills that can support their educational, personal and professional goals.”

During the academy, participants will explore how AI can be used to generate ideas, solve problems and launch their own projects. The academy will also connect AI applications to individual interests whether in music, sports, business or creative pursuits. Participants will learn directly from professionals who use AI in their everyday work, gaining insight into how the technology is being applied in different fields.

The AI Academy is the Mark Cuban Foundation's first program specifically designed for adult learners. It expands on the Foundation's AI Bootcamp for high school students and aims to make AI education more accessible, particularly for individuals in the trades and communities with fewer opportunities for AI training.

To register, complete Clark State’s Workforce application at go.clarkstate.edu/AIAcademy.