Connecticut is taking a major step to prepare its workforce for the growing influence of artificial intelligence, as Charter Oak State College announces a significant expansion of its AI Academy.

Through this initiative, developed in partnership with the Business-Higher Education Forum and Axim Collaborative, Charter Oak learners, job seekers, educators, and employees of small and mid-sized businesses will gain new pathways to in-demand careers using the Open edX platform.

Charter Oak, which is part of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system, is the state’s only public online college.

At a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries ranging from healthcare to finance, the expansion reflects both urgency and opportunity. Employers are increasingly seeking workers who understand how to apply AI tools effectively, yet many job seekers and organizations lack access to affordable, relevant training. The AI Academy is intended to close that gap by aligning education directly with workforce needs.

This effort addresses a pressing economic challenge: ensuring that small and mid-sized businesses — which employ nearly half of Connecticut’s workforce — are not left behind as AI reshapes industries.

“Connecticut’s economic strength lies in its small and medium-sized businesses. The expansion of the AI Academy is a direct investment in those businesses, providing them with the high-level AI fluency typically reserved for large corporations. Furthermore, by bringing a tool-agnostic, mindset-first approach to our K-12 districts, we are helping educators move past the ‘hype’ and focus on the strategic deployment of AI. We aren’t just teaching people how to use AI; we are empowering Connecticut’s schools and businesses to lead with it,” said Dr. Dave Ferreira, Provost, Charter Oak State College.

The expanded AI Academy will offer stackable credentials over a three-year period, combining technical training with durable skills like communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and digital literacy. Learners will be able to progress at their own pace, building credentials that align with specific career pathways while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing job market demands.

The program is designed with direct input from more than 100 leaders across business and higher education, including major employers in insurance, consulting, and technology. That collaboration ensures the curriculum reflects real-world needs, helping participants gain skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace.

A key component of the initiative is a new pathway for K-12 school districts. Rather than focusing on specific tools or platforms, the program emphasizes building an “AI mindset” — equipping educators and administrators with the knowledge to make informed, strategic decisions about how AI is used in classrooms and operations. This approach is intended to help school systems develop sustainable policies that can evolve alongside rapidly changing technology.

“The future of work demands a new kind of collaboration,” said Kristen Fox, CEO of the Business-Higher Education Forum. “When employers and institutions join forces to equip learners with AI skills and durable competencies, we create real pathways for people to unlock new opportunities, advance their careers, and thrive in an economy that is changing faster than any one sector can address alone. This is the model we need — and Connecticut is showing how it’s done.”

In addition to supporting businesses and schools, the initiative aims to expand access for individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to career advancement. By offering flexible online learning, the program is designed to reach underemployed workers, adult learners, and those seeking to transition into new fields.

The academy will begin with foundational AI coursework and expand into high-demand fields such as business, health technology, and cybersecurity — sectors where the need for skilled workers continues to grow. Over time, the program is expected to scale statewide before expanding nationally, with a goal of reaching 10,000 learners over the next five years.

“By partnering with employers to co-design AI-focused curricula, Charter Oak and BHEF are equipping learners with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in a changing economy while fueling regional economic development,” said Stephanie Khurana, CEO of Axim Collaborative.

The effort builds on Charter Oak’s existing CT AI Academy, launched in 2025, which has already served more than 3,500 residents with free AI training. That early success demonstrated strong demand for accessible AI education and helped lay the foundation for this expanded, more comprehensive model.

State higher education leaders say the initiative strengthens Connecticut’s long-term workforce pipeline while positioning the state as a model for others seeking to align education with economic development.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, Connecticut’s approach highlights how coordinated investment in education, business partnerships, and workforce development can help ensure that growth is both inclusive and sustainable — and that workers and employers alike are prepared for what comes next.

David Heidrich lives in Augusta.

From the cliffs of Acadia to the woods and waters of Katahdin’s national monument, Maine’s public lands are more than scenic, they are the backbone of our economy and way of life. Anyone who has spent any amount of time in these or other public places knows that they offer more than just natural beauty. They are central to our identity, drawing visitors from around the world, supporting small businesses and sustaining jobs in communities across the state.

As someone deeply invested in the success of Maine’s outdoor recreation and tourism industries, I know that investing in our public lands will support thriving communities for generations to come. But maintaining these places requires more than appreciation, it requires sustained investment and action.

In 2020, Congress recognized that many of our country’s national parks and other public lands were suffering from decades of deferred maintenance. Roads, bridges, water systems, historic structures and visitor facilities were aging faster than they could be repaired. In response, lawmakers passed the Great American Outdoors Act, which created the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). 

This landmark legislation provided five years of dedicated funding to address long-overdue repairs on federal lands. Here in Maine, the LRF delivered $54 million for critical repairs to our public lands. These investments supported projects at places like Acadia National Park — improving trails, restoring historic carriage roads and upgrading essential infrastructure — as well as work on national forests and wildlife refuges across the state. These projects have served to protect natural resources, improve safety and enhance visitor experiences while supporting local economies.

Now, with that funding having expired, Congress is considering the America the Beautiful Act, introduced by Sen. Steve Daines of Montana and Maine’s own Sen. Angus King. The bill has received strong bipartisan support, and I want to thank Sen. King and Sen. Collins for their leadership in advocating for this important legislation.

The America the Beautiful Act rises above politics and reflects a shared commitment to conservation and safeguarding the places that help define both Maine and our nation. By continuing to invest in our public lands, we ensure they sustain local economies while preserving natural resources for residents, visitors and future generations alike.

Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of Maine’s economy. Each year, millions of visitors come to experience our parks, trails, waterways and working forests — supporting roughly 32,000 jobs and generating $3.9 billion in economic activity. That is approximately 5% of Maine’s workforce and 4% of its GDP, respectively. Communities throughout Maine depend on these visitors, and the continued health of our public lands is essential to their continued success.

While important progress has been made, maintenance backlogs on our federal lands persist and require reliable, long-term funding. Congress should pass the America the Beautiful Act because it would provide $2 billion per year for eight additional years to address ongoing maintenance needs across national parks and public lands — without raising taxes.

This is accomplished by: 1) dedicating lease and royalty payments from energy producers operating on federal lands and waters to conservation, 2) requiring federal agencies to identify and dispose of unneeded assets, and 3) leveraging private funding by introducing a preference for projects with a 15% financial match from private stakeholders or nonprofit organizations.

By passing this legislation, Congress can ensure that Maine’s treasured public lands remain safe, accessible and vibrant. If we want future generations to experience Maine as we know it today, we need to invest in it now.