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If you're interested in thinking about AI and the future of work, come hear about what we're working on, network, and build community with us.
What is the AI Upskilling Lab Inaugural Cohort?
The AI Upskilling Cohort is a free pilot program that combines hands-on AI learning with peer collaboration through self-organizing learning cohorts. The program serves 45 people recently laid off from federal jobs and related sectors. The initiative addresses the workforce displacement crisis affecting DC-area residents due to federal restructuring and AI adoption across industries. The program represents a partnership between the DC Public Library and Levy, founded by Ann Marie Guzzi and Brendan Whitaker.
What are the current projects the cohort is working on?
Now that we're 1 month in to this 3-month process, participants have generated more than 50 problem spaces through design thinking exercises, creating "how might we" statements that helped define the purpose behind their projects. These were narrowed down through ranked-choice selection to 12 options and ultimately formed into 6 working pods. Project examples include integrating financial literacy into high school education to empower students with lifelong money management skills, helping people build empowerment while navigating health care, and creating trip-planning platforms for city residents who rely on public transit that seamlessly integrate micromobility options for last-mile connections.
About the Partners
The DC Public Library brings its proven track record with participatory learning programs, including Dream Lab workshops, the Project 500 partnership, and the Byte Back collaboration. The Library provides physical meeting space, staff coordination and facilitation, community connections, and existing job seeker support infrastructure. This program represents an evolution of the library's established community-based, collaborative learning methodology, specifically adapted to address current workforce challenges through AI skill development.
Levy provides the design thinking framework that guides the program structure, including the process that helped participants surface more than 50 problem spaces and narrow them through ranked choice selection. The organization contributes AI professional mentors, including founders Ann Marie Guzzi and Brendan Whitaker, plus their broader volunteer network of technologists and entrepreneurs who provide expert guidance through visits and virtual sessions. Levy also brings private sector expertise and connections across the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems of the DMV region.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lecture | Educational Program |
