Long Beach is launching a comprehensive artificial intelligence education initiative this month, offering residents hands-on training in AI tools while addressing growing concerns about digital privacy and security. The program represents a notable example of how municipalities are responding to the rapid adoption of AI technologies in everyday life.
The City of Long Beach’s Department of Technology and Innovation (TID) will host five free community workshops throughout October, coinciding with Digital Inclusion Week. These sessions aim to demystify artificial intelligence for everyday users while teaching essential cybersecurity practices—a combination that reflects the dual challenge facing communities as AI becomes more prevalent.
What participants will learn
The 90-minute workshops focus on generative AI, the technology behind tools like ChatGPT that can create text, images, and other content based on user prompts. Participants will watch live demonstrations and complete hands-on activities designed to build practical familiarity with these emerging tools.
Beyond AI basics, each session covers essential digital safety practices. This includes everyday cybersecurity tips and data privacy strategies—crucial knowledge as more residents experiment with AI platforms that often require sharing personal information or sensitive data.
The workshops address a growing need in communities nationwide. While AI tools are becoming increasingly accessible, many users lack guidance on how to use them effectively or safely. Municipal programs like Long Beach’s fill this gap by providing structured, accessible education outside of traditional tech industry channels.
Workshop schedule and locations
The city has scheduled sessions across multiple neighborhoods to maximize accessibility:
Each session covers identical material, allowing residents to choose the most convenient time and location. The varied scheduling—including daytime and evening options—acknowledges that different demographics have different availability patterns.
Practical details
Registration is encouraged but not required through the city’s dedicated portal at lbcity.info/aiprivacy. The workshops include light refreshments and interpretation services in Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog upon request—reflecting Long Beach’s diverse population.
The multilingual support is particularly significant given that language barriers often compound the digital divide. By offering interpretation services, the city ensures that AI literacy isn’t limited to English speakers, a consideration that many tech education initiatives overlook.
Broader implications
Long Beach’s initiative highlights a growing trend of local governments taking active roles in AI education rather than leaving it entirely to private companies or educational institutions. As AI tools become integral to everything from job applications to healthcare communications, municipal programs like this could become essential public services.
The timing during Digital Inclusion Week also signals that cities are treating AI literacy as part of broader digital equity efforts. This approach recognizes that understanding AI isn’t just about using new tools—it’s about ensuring residents can participate fully in an increasingly AI-integrated economy and society.
For residents interested in attending, the identical content across all sessions means choosing based on convenience rather than curriculum. The combination of practical AI training with privacy education offers a balanced introduction to these technologies, addressing both opportunities and risks in a single comprehensive program.
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