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Empowering Veterans in the Age of AI

CO/AI is launching a new grant program to fund AI education, industry immersion and career assistance to those who have served our nation. Be part of our mission.

A dynamic America begins with dynamic people

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming industries and reshaping the global economy. As AI gains increasing power to replace jobs, control information and surveil individuals, the success of democracy in this new era is no longer guaranteed. We believe that the best safeguard of an equitable future is an informed and highly skilled populace equipped with AI literacy. We’re starting this mission with those who have given the most to our country: veterans of the American Armed Forces.

As a veteran owned and operated business, CO/AI believes that a strong America is crucial for promoting democratic values worldwide; however, this can only be true insofar as our citizens possess the knowledge and skills required to hold government agencies and business organizations accountable in an increasingly automated world. In the age of AI, AI literacy is fundamental to this cause.

The CO/AI grant program

Our grant program is designed to use AI as a tool for empowerment, providing veterans with the means to learn new technologies, make informed career decisions and develop the skills needed to launch and lead innovative new businesses. It is also designed as a vector for both public and private organizations alike to recruit leaders equipped with skills to make them competitive in the AI economy. By promoting AI literacy, we can foster a more dynamic and driven workforce, and in doing so promote more innovative and values-driven organizations.

An adaptive, hyper-relevant curriculum

AI advancements are moving so fast that traditional school curriculums, often designed years prior to their implementation, are struggling to keep pace with the practical skills required to succeed in today’s workforce. Our grant program is designed to address this challenge by focusing on cutting edge developments, tools and skills required in today’s world. As such, we work directly with various partners at leading AI companies, employers, NGOs, universities and online training platforms to construct custom programs that not only react to today’s challenges but also anticipate those of tomorrow.

Veterans who are accepted into the grant program will receive 100% free access to new AI software tools, virtual workshops, educational resources and on-site trips.

  • Free access to online courses: Participants will receive free access to a range of online courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science, offered through renowned online platforms such as Coursera, Khan Academy and Udemy, as well as leading universities like Stanford and MIT.
  • AI landscape overview: The program will provide a thorough introduction to the AI landscape, covering key tools, resources, companies and influencers in the field.
  • Free access to AI tools: Veterans will receive free accounts to a range of cutting-edge AI software tools, for personal and business use.
  • Purpose-built tool tutorials: The course will include in-depth tutorials and workshops on how to effectively utilize AI tools designed for specific tasks and workflows.
  • Research and white paper analyses: The program will offer detailed breakdowns of the most relevant research and white papers in the AI industry, keeping participants up-to-date with the latest advancements and foundational breakthroughs.
  • Online seminars and networking: Participants will have the chance to engage with fellow veterans, AI product managers, and leaders from major organizations to understand how they are leveraging AI to maintain a competitive edge.
  • On-site field trips: Each cohort will make on-site visits to pioneering AI companies, such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia and Microsoft, gaining valuable insights into real-world applications of AI, and an opportunity to meet with potential future employers.
  • Career support: CO/AI will offer various career resources to grant program participants and connect them with recruiters who specialize in placing individuals with AI skills into competitive job positions.
  • Application deadline: To be announced
  • Program dates: To be announced
  • Program cost: There is no cost to attend the program, as all expenses will be covered by program donors.
  • Available spaces: 20 members per cohort
  • Eligibility: Transitioning active duty service members (60 days or less from program end date) & recently separated military veterans with bachelors degree or higher and honorable discharge.
  • Format: Two 60-minute workshops hosted virtually each week, primarily occurring on weekends and evenings, with one four-day on-site trip to San Francisco in late October.
  • Certificate: Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a signed certificate of completion.
  • Disclaimers: CO/AI is currently collaborating with numerous partners, from AI software providers to field trip hosts, so specific times, dates and locations are pending and therefore subject to change. More details will be released as they are available, but we will ensure that all participants have ample advance notice.

Grant Advisory Council

Nick Salinas

US Army Special Forces

Mark Fogel

US Air Force Fighter Pilot

Lloyd Edwards

US Navy SEAL

Veterans: If you are a veteran interested in participating in the grant program, we invite you to fill out a short application by clicking the button below. While we would like to accommodate everyone, our first cohort will be limited to 30 attendees, so we expect the application process to be competitive.

Funding & support partners: If you are interested in funding this important initiative, or if you would like to provide other support, such as hosting field trips or providing free or discounted access to educational resources or software tools, please click the link below and let us know how you would like to be involved.