Ready for a new career?
Free Google AI training now available for the Rice Belt region
A fast, reliable internet connection opens many doors and prospects in rural Arkansas. Now it can potentially open a critical one for those seeking new opportunities: free training from Google in artificial intelligence and the digital skills that many employers are looking for.
As you may have heard, the State of Arkansas has partnered with Google to offer no-cost scholarships to Google AI courses and Google Career Certificates to people in Arkansas. Through this process people can prepare for potential career-enhancing opportunities by acquiring new skills through this program.
Here’s some good news for our neighbors across the Rice Belt service area: this free training takes place entirely online, and it’s built to fit around real life. With your Rice Belt internet connection, you can qualify to learn from home, on your own schedule, at no cost.
What you can learn
The Google AI courses are five-hour, self-paced lessons taught by Google’s own AI experts. They cover the fundamentals of generative AI—how to use today’s AI tools responsibly, how to write effective prompts, and how to put AI to work creating content and speeding up everyday tasks. No prior experience is needed.
When you’re ready to go further, the Google Career Certificate program offers flexible online training in high-demand fields, including:
- Data Analytics
- Project Management
- Cybersecurity
- IT Support
- UX Design
- Digital Marketing and E-commerce
Each certificate now includes hands-on AI training built right in, so you graduate with skills that are in demand among many employers.
Why it can be worth your time
These are industry-recognized credentials. According to Google, more than 70% of Career Certificate graduates report a positive outcome, including a new job, a raise, or a promotion within six months of finishing.
With no experience required, most learners complete a certificate in three to six months.
For rural communities, that represents a potential path forward for better jobs, new resources for small businesses, and the confidence to use the tools that are growing in demand for many industries.
How to get started
Any resident of Arkansas who is 18 or older can apply for a free scholarship through the Arkansas Department of Commerce. Learn more details at commerce.arkansas.gov/arkansas-grow-with-google and go online here to enroll: https://formstack.io/68EC7
With fast internet from Rice Belt, you already have the connection. The opportunity to explore the possibilities is now available for your consideration.
