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

8-Week Applied Generative AI Micro-Credential Program

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the job market rapidly. To stand out and get ahead, you need practical, workforce-ready skills. Whether you're between jobs, recently laid off, or looking to move from part-time or low-wage work into a full-time career, the challenge is clear: you need to be prepared for the modern workplace.

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.

See the list of eligible counties in the Upskill Mid-South Service Area
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Why Choose This Program?

Why choose this program?

1. Project-Based, Design Thinking Approach

  • You demonstrate your skills by building functional AI solutions. Instead of exams, your learning is measured by real-world projects.

2. Workplace Readiness

  • This program prepares you for the demands of a modern career. Each project tackles a specific challenge relevant to today’s workplace, giving you tangible experience.

3. Human-AI Collaboration

  • Optimal results occur when humans actively guide AI.
    You remain the expert.

4. Mastery Through Real-World Application

  • True skill development occurs through practical application. Our workshops, tool demonstrations, and labs provide hands-on experience you need to build confidence and competence..
  • Includes Aida, AI Coach, providing 24/7 support on using ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Tableau.

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 60-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 ChatGPT, Perplexity, NotebookLM, Tableau, and a Capstone Workshop that sharpen practical skills.

Three Milestone Projects

M1 Custom GPT, M2 Workplace Intelligence Project, M3 Program Capstone – each project applies program content and must be submitted by its deadline for micro-credential certification.

Vista Data Community & 24/7 AI Coach

A private online community, office hours, and real-time assistance from “Aida,” the program’s AI coach.

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:

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

For content generation, ideation, and workflow optimization.

Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI

As an AI research tool for knowledge generation and synthesis.

Notebook LM

NotebookLM

To analyze internal documents and generate insights.

Tableau

Tableau

For data analysis and visualization.

Program Timeline

Week 1

Program Onboarding

In-person orientation sets goals, introduces core AI concepts, and establishes the tools you’ll use throughout the cohort.

Week 2

Milestone 1: Custom GPT Project

Live sessions focus on effective prompting and GPT configuration so you can deliver a job-specific assistant by week’s end.

Week 3-4

Milestone 2: Workplace Intelligence Project

Workshops and guided practice help you apply research, writing, and knowledge-management tools to build an AI workflow for your role.

Week 5-7

Milestone 3: Program Capstone Project

Action labs, analytics training, and coaching support the design and refinement of a complete AI solution 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 digital micro-credential that proves your practical expertise in Generative AI.

This Vista Data micro-credential validates your ability to:

  • Design and deploy AI-powered solutions that streamline everyday work
  • Translate data into clear insights that drive sound decisions
  • Coordinate effective human-AI collaboration across teams
  • Lead innovation projects that improve business outcomes

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

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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:

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 GPTs that automate everyday tasks
  • Utilize tools like Perplexity, NotebookLM, and Tableau for insight-driven decisions
  • Design AI workflows that boost your productivity
  • Lead AI adoption while keeping human oversight in place

What support is available during the program?

  • Aida, the 24/7 AI coach for quick answers and troubleshooting
  • Program staff for logistics and technical help
  • Peer community for idea sharing and accountability
  • Office hours with Vista Data experts for project checkpoints

How is the program organized?

  • Live virtual sessions: Introduce concepts and run guided exercises
  • Tool guided demos: Receive practical, hands-on experience with key AI tools
  • In-person events: Deepen collaboration, practise skills, and showcase results
  • Milestone projects: Apply learning directly to 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:

  • Program completion micro-credential certificate
  • Digital badges shareable on LinkedIn
  • Verified skills credentials

When does the program start?

The September Term cohort starts 23 Sep 2025 and ends 18 Nov 2025.

What is the application deadline for the next cohort?

Applications close September 16 2025 at 11:59 PM (Central Time). Early submission is recommended because seats are limited.

Still have questions?

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