Labor Department launches free AI literacy course via text message
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a free artificial intelligence literacy course available by texting "READY" to 20202. The "Make America AI-Ready" initiative delivers bite-sized lessons over text message, allowing workers to complete the seven-day course in roughly 10 minutes daily.
The text-based format targets workers without reliable laptop or internet access. The course aligns with the Trump Administration's stated commitment to equip American workers with foundational AI skills, as outlined in America's Talent Strategy and the White House's AI Action Plan.
What the course covers
The curriculum focuses on five areas:
- Understand AI Principles: Core concepts, capabilities, and limitations
- Explore AI Uses: Different tools and how AI complements human expertise
- Direct AI Effectively: Providing context and writing clear prompts for better outputs
- Evaluate AI Outputs: Assessing results for accuracy and relevance
- Use AI Responsibly: Ethical and secure application, data protection, and accountability
The Labor Department designed the course as an entry point. Upon completion, participants receive resources for advanced skills or AI-related career paths based on their interests.
Partnership and enrollment
The Labor Department developed the initiative with education technology company Arist, a participant in the White House's Pledge to America's Youth. Phone numbers used for enrollment are not shared with or sold to third parties.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the course ensures "every American worker has the chance to learn foundational skills so they can benefit from the opportunities that the AI economy presents."
Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling added: "We are seeing AI create new jobs, new levels of productivity, and new forms of entrepreneurship, and we want to make sure all Americans have the skills to share in that prosperity."
Workers interested in strengthening their AI foundation may also explore Generative AI and LLM Courses or Prompt Engineering Courses to build on the skills introduced in this program.
Your membership also unlocks:
