Extending AI Access, Expertise in Connecticut

CfAL For Digital Inclusion (formerly Concepts for Adaptive Learning) is a New Haven-based non-profit, founded in 2001, that provides free computer training, digital literacy skills, and refurbished computers to adults and youth to bridge the digital divide.  The organization leadership recently pointed out that as the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry continues to grow, the way we interact with the world is changing rapidly. And faced with a shifting landscape in nearly every industry, the workforce must be prepared to adapt.

Connecticut organizations and state leadership are aiming to make the transition easier by launching a free AI Essentials Certification program.

“Many of our program participants have expressed fear or anxiety surrounding AI knowledge and job security.” says Tesha Tramontano-Kelly, Executive Director at CfAL for Digital Inclusion. “As part of our mission to close the Digital Divide, we want our participants to feel not only prepared to use this technology in the workforce and in everyday life, but empowered to use AI responsibly and effectively.”

They point to data that indicates nationwide, about half of workers are concerned about the impacts of using Artificial Intelligence in the workplace, and roughly a third believe that this will have negative impacts on job security. In Connecticut alone, there has been a 40% increase in job postings requiring AI skills in the last year.

“Jobs that are going to be lost are jobs that are very often done by women and women of color, and they are jobs that are gateway jobs,” says Senator James Maroney, a leading voice in the Connecticut legislature on AI issues.  “One in three women are in jobs that are at risk of being automated by AI, versus less than one in four men. Fifty percent of gateway jobs are at risk of being automated by AI. What happens if we're going to eliminate that bottom rung on the ladder?” 

The program is an extension of the Connecticut AI Academy through Charter Oak State College where students earn an industry recognized credential in AI Essentials from Google. It was previously offered online-only, but now Connecticut residents can register for in-person instruction and hands-on learning provided by CfAL for Digital Inclusion at the Swift Factory in Hartford. 

“Swift is anchored in this community as a safe third space, meeting residents where they are. This AI Essentials class is exactly the kind of program that defines our mission: pathways out of poverty and keeping this community in lockstep with what the workforce is demanding today.”

Designed to teach students to use AI to boost productivity, while also being conscientious, the course examines how Artificial Intelligence works, prompt engineering, and more. The 12-hour class is completely free, and takes place over the course of four days.

“We want to make sure you have digital literacy, then AI literacy, and then become an AI practitioner, because we want to make sure, as a state, we're working on policies that benefit all the people, and not just the portfolios of some people” says Senator Maroney. 

“To see this be a way to offer – especially for adults that are living in our neighborhoods – an opportunity to have skills that will help them be competitive in the workforce … we're not just preparing for this space in Hartford, we're preparing them for the world.” added Representative Maryam Khan.

Students who complete the course will receive both a Google AI Essentials certification for their resume and a free refurbished Chromebook – made possible through a generous donation from Comcast.

“We're just very happy at Comcast that we can be part of a $20,000 grant that will help with devices and services as part of Project Up, because we realize that digital access is opportunity,” says Robert Earley, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Comcast. “We're building a bridge, as Senator Maroney noted, from digital literacy to AI literacy to tomorrow's workforce.”

CfAL for Digital Inclusion ran a pilot version of the program at their New Haven office in March 2026. The program received what was described as excellent feedback.

“Overall it's an excellent way to get knowledgeable on AI and how to use it properly with the way society is heading,” noted participant Alberto Reyes. “I can see moving forward how I am going to incorporate AI in all my business affairs.”

Tramontano-Kelly says that with the success of this pilot program and funding from the state, they will be running three upcoming cohorts in Hartford at the Swift Factory. Prospective participants can register for free on CfAL for Digital Inclusion’s website, or by calling 475-285-6500.