The  United Way of Southern Chester County, in collaboration with Microsoft, is launching a new AI Skill-A-Thon, a free 30-day skilling competition to help local professionals, job-seekers, students, and employers learn basic knowledge, skills, and competencies in AI to help them in their chosen career path. 

Individual participants in the Skill-A-Thon will be able to earn professional certificates to demonstrate their AI knowledge and win cash prizes up to $1500. In addition, non-profit agencies serving the health and human service needs of Southern Chester County can compete as a team and win cash prizes up to $5,000.

Across the country, technology is rapidly changing the way we work and live. AI has the potential to empower people and organizations but it’s critical that everyone, everywhere, has the skills to harness its benefits. 

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. 

“United Way of Southern Chester County promotes the health, education, and financial stability of every person within the 19 townships and four boroughs of Southern Chester County,” said Terry Vodery, the CEO of the United Way of Southern Chester County.  “Through this partnership with Microsoft, we are empowering our community with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital age.  This initiative is more than about training – it is about creating opportunities, closing the digital divide, and ensuring that every resident has the tools to succeed in an increasingly AI driven world.”

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 designed to introduce learners to new skills in an on-demand format. Anyone 16 and older can tap into the learning pathways and courses, 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. In addition, participants can compete as a member of a team of up to 50 participants. 

The AI Skill-A-Thon will begin on September 1 at 12:01 a.m. local time and will conclude on September 30 at 11:59 p.m. local time. For more information and to register for the AI Skill-A-Thon, visit https://www.communityskilling.org/partner/chestercounty.  Local employers, teachers, and nonprofits are encouraged to share the skills initiative website as a resource for online training and up-skill opportunities.