TLDR: Oregon is set to provide its state employees with no-cost training in generative artificial intelligence through a partnership with the nonprofit InnovateUS. This initiative aims to equip the public workforce with essential AI skills for responsible and effective use in government operations, aligning with Governor Tina Kotek’s vision for a technologically supported future.
Oregon is embarking on a significant initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into its public sector, announcing a partnership with InnovateUS, a nonprofit organization specializing in AI training for government agencies. This collaboration will provide no-cost, self-paced courses on generative AI to all state employees, with each course designed to take approximately two hours.
The training program, overseen by the state’s Enterprise Information Services (EIS), is part of Oregon’s commitment to fostering an informed and capable public service workforce. The curriculum will focus on how individuals and organizations can ethically and responsibly leverage AI in their daily work to enhance public service delivery.
Governor Tina Kotek emphasized the necessity of this move, stating, ‘We cannot ignore the rapid growth of AI in our lives.’ Her sentiment was echoed by Oregon State Chief Information Officer Terrence Woods, who remarked in a press release that generative AI is ‘vastly developing,’ and asserted that ‘the future of government depends first and foremost on people, supported by technology.’ Woods, who also serves on the state’s AI advisory council established by Governor Kotek in November 2023, further added, ‘This opportunity will provide our workforce with the knowledge and skills to use generative AI in their work responsibly, securely, and effectively.’
InnovateUS has a track record of similar partnerships, having previously worked with the state of Pennsylvania. The city of San Francisco also recently announced a comparable agreement, highlighting a growing trend among government entities to embrace AI training. While the online courses will be accessible to all state employees, they are not currently mandatory, according to Hope Hiebert, a government spokesperson.
Also Read:
- San Francisco Equips 30,000 City Workers with Microsoft Copilot AI to Boost Public Services
- Tripura Advances Governance with Generative AI Workshop for Digital Transformation
This initiative underscores Oregon’s proactive approach to technological advancement, aiming to empower its workforce with modern tools while ensuring ethical considerations and public trust remain paramount in the deployment of AI within state operations.
