Goodwill Kentucky has been awarded a $30,000 grant from Google.org to support the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator® (GDCA) AI Skilling Initiative. This initiative will integrate Google AI Essentials training into existing digital skills and employment programs to prepare Kentuckians for success in an evolving workforce.
As part of this initiative, Goodwill Kentucky will enroll at least 60 employees and a minimum of 300 program participants in the Google AI Essentials course by April 2026. The program is designed to build AI fluency across all levels of the organization and enhance the employability of Kentuckians through cutting-edge training. The Google AI Essentials course—offered at no cost to Goodwill or participants—will become a key component of the digital skills curriculum, ensuring learners are equipped with the AI knowledge necessary for modern roles.
Google AI Essentials is a self-paced, online course hosted on Coursera. It includes five comprehensive modules: Introduction to AI, Maximizing Productivity with AI Tools, Prompt Engineering, Responsible Use of AI, and Staying Ahead of the AI Curve. Participants will explore real-world applications, ethical considerations, and hands-on experience with tools such as Gemini, ChatGPT, and Copilot, earning a certificate upon completion.
Goodwill’s AI skilling plan will reach participants at multiple levels:
- Staff Training: Directors, career coaches, Opportunity Center managers, and facilitators will receive training to incorporate AI insights into strategic decisions and client support.
- Entry-Level Learners: Foundational AI concepts will be integrated into the “Absolute Basics of Computers” (ABCs) course to build awareness and digital literacy.
- Workforce-Ready Clients: Applied Digital Skills (ADS) programming will include AI overviews and encourage enrollment in the full Google AI Essentials training.
As part of this initiative, the first 390 program completers will receive a $50 incentive. In addition, all individuals who complete the program will be entered into a drawing to win one of four Microsoft Surface laptops, each valued at $1,500. A total of four winners will be selected. To be eligible for the drawing, participants and employees must be actively engaged with Goodwill at the time of the drawing.
This initiative supports Goodwill Kentucky’s mission to improve lives through the power of work. With 12 Opportunity Centers across the commonwealth and at least two dedicated career coaches at each location, the organization is uniquely positioned to deliver this training where it’s needed most—among underrepresented and underserved communities.
For more information about the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator AI Skilling Initiative, or to enroll in training, click here or email GoogleAIGrant@GoodwillKY.org.