Program Structure

Three 120-Minute
In-Person Immersions

Kickoff (Week 1) – orientation and goal-setting. AI Action Lab (Week 5) – an immersive simulation where teams integrate AI into workplace scenarios. Summit & Graduation (Week 8) – showcase capstones and celebrate completion.

Five 90-Minute
Live Virtual Sessions

Weekly 90-minute virtual sessions that blend guided practice with discussion.

⁠Six 60-Minute
Skill Builder Workshops

60-minute hands-on sessions on Gemini, Google AI Search, NotebookLM, Gemini in Sheets, and a Capstone Workshop that sharpen practical skills.

Three Milestone Projects

Custom AI Assistant, M2 AI-Powered Intelligence System, M3 Program Capstone – each project applies program content and must be submitted by its deadline for micro-credential certification.

Vista Data Community & Coaching Team

A private online community, office hours, and real-time support from the Vista Data coaching team.

Program Technology & Tools

You’ll work with industry-recognized AI and data analytics tools that are widely used across sectors, making you a more competitive candidate. This includes:

Gemini

For content creation, custom AI assistant development, prompt engineering, and multimodal workflows.

Google AI Search

AI-powered research with built-in source verification and citation checking.

NotebookLM

Your learning environment and knowledge management platform. Load documents, research, and course materials into one AI-powered workspace.

Gemini for Sheets

AI-powered data analysis and visualization — no coding required.

Program Timeline

Week 1

Program Onboarding

In-person orientation sets goals, introduces core AI concepts, and sets up your NotebookLM notebook — the learning environment you'll build on for the entire 8 weeks.

Week 2

Milestone 1: Custom AI Assistant

Live sessions focus on prompt engineering and building a custom Gemini Gem — a job-specific AI assistant ready for repeatable tasks in your career search.

Week 3-4

Milestone 2: AI-Powered Intelligence System

Workshops and guided practice help you combine AI-powered research, knowledge management, and strategic analysis into a single professional workflow.

Week 5-7

Milestone 3: Program Capstone Project

Action labs, data analytics training, and coaching support the design and refinement of a complete AI-powered career package ready for showcase.

Week 8

Program Summit & Graduation

An in-person event features finalist presentations, expert feedback, credential awards, and networking with peers and industry partners.

Earn the Applied Generative AI Program Micro-Credential

Complete our 8-week program to earn a verified industry-based digital micro-credential that proves your practical expertise in Generative AI — plus prepare for industry certifications from Google, Microsoft, and CompTIA.

This Vista Data micro-credential validates your ability to:

Design and build custom AI assistants that streamline everyday work
Orchestrate multi-tool AI workflows that produce professional-quality results
Translate data into clear insights using AI-powered spreadsheet tools
Evaluate AI outputs critically — knowing where AI excels and where human judgment is essential
Present and defend AI-assisted work to professional audiences

Your digital badge integrates seamlessly with LinkedIn and other professional platforms, connecting you with opportunities that demand these sought-after skills.

APPLY Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 8-Week Applied Generative AI Micro-Credential Program?

An eight-week hybrid program that teaches individuals how to solve workplace challenges using generative AI. The cohort blends live online workshops, three in-person events, and guided project work that leads to an industry-recognized micro-credential to help you become more competitive in the job market.

Who is eligible for full sponsorship?

This sponsorship is designed for individuals who need to upskill to secure stable, full-time employment.
You may qualify for full program sponsorship if you meet the following criteria:

You live in the Upskill Mid-South Service Area (42 counties across TN, MS, and AR).
You are currently unemployed OR underemployed (working less than 30 hours per week, or earning less than $20/hour).

What is the time commitment?

The program runs for 8 weeks and includes:

In-person events: Kickoff (Week 1), AI Action Lab (Week 5), Summit & Graduation (Week 8)
Live virtual workshops: Five 90-minute Zoom sessions that anchor each learning theme
Tool demos: Short, hands-on walk-throughs of essential AI tools
Project work Independent effort to complete three milestone projects

What skills will I gain?

You will learn to:

Build custom AI assistants that automate everyday tasks
Use tools like NotebookLM, Gemini, and Google AI Search for insight-driven decisions
Design multi-tool AI workflows that boost your productivity
Analyze data using AI-powered spreadsheets — no coding required
Lead AI adoption while keeping human oversight in place

What support is available during the program?

Dual-Coach Model — a Tech Coach and Program Coach supporting your cohort
Program staff for logistics and technical help
Peer community for idea sharing and accountability
Office hours with Vista Data coaches for project checkpoints

How is the program organized?

Live virtual sessions: Introduce concepts and run guided exercises
Skill builder workshops: Hands-on experience with specific AI tools
In-person events: Deepen collaboration, practise skills, and showcase results
Milestone projects: Apply learning directly to career and workplace challenges
Learner community: Maintain momentum between sessions and gather feedback

What are the program requirements?

To earn the micro-credential, participants must:

Attend the Kickoff is mandatory.
You may have up to 2 excused absences with prior approval.
Submit all three milestone projects by their deadlines.

What credentials will I earn?

Graduates receive:

Applied Generative AI Micro-Credential
Digital badge shareable on LinkedIn
Preparation for industry certifications: Google Generative AI Leader, Microsoft AI Business Professional, and CompTIA AI Essentials

When does the program start?

The Sigma Cohort starts March 10, 2026 and ends May 5, 2026.

What is the application deadline for the next cohort?

NEW: Applications close March 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Central Time). Early submission is recommended because seats are limited.

Get Ready for Your Next Job with In-Demand AI Skills

8-Week Applied Generative AI Micro-Credential Program

Full Tuition Sponsorship (up to 100%) is available for eligible individuals through our partners at Upskill Mid-South. This opportunity is specifically for those who are unemployed or underemployed.

Why Choose This Program?

1. Project-Based, Design Thinking Approach

2. Workplace Readiness

3. Human-AI Collaboration

4. Mastery Through Real-World Application