Indianapolis Company Launches Free AI Training Program for Hoosiers
An Indianapolis-based technology company, InnoPower, has embarked on an ambitious mission to train 1,000 people in artificial intelligence (AI) technology free of charge. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with local nonprofit P30 and Blazing Academy, aims to bridge the technological divide by targeting underserved communities in the city.
The training program, currently underway on the city’s east side, has already enrolled 50 participants, primarily comprising small business owners and educators. These individuals are learning how to harness AI tools to streamline their workflows and enhance productivity. Jasheena Shelton, a grief counselor among the participants, shared how AI has improved her service delivery. “It pulls the sources off the internet for me based upon what their specific grief area is,” Shelton explained. “After it pulls it, it makes an audio for them to listen to before we meet up, so we’re on the same page.”
Chris Dailey, a trainer with Blazing Academy, emphasized the program’s objective of making AI accessible to everyone, particularly those who might otherwise lack the resources to acquire such knowledge. “Make it fair for everybody and because you have a cellphone, you have AI,” Dailey said. “We just have to teach people how to use it, how to use it ethically and how to use it right.”
The current cohort is expected to complete their training in the coming weeks. Upon graduation, each participant will be tasked with training 20 others, with the goal of reaching 1,000 individuals by July. This cascading approach aims to create a ripple effect, spreading AI literacy across the community.
InnoPower’s initiative highlights the growing importance of AI in various sectors and the need for inclusive education to ensure equitable access to technological advancements.
