KENNETT SQUARE, PA – United Way of Southern Chester County has announced the successful conclusion of the 2024 AI Skill-a-Thon, a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping local residents with vital artificial intelligence skills. This 30-day competition, funded by Microsoft, was open to professionals, job seekers, and students across the region, fostering essential AI literacy crucial for modern career paths.
The event attracted 133 participants from across Southern Chester County, with 28 individuals earning professional certificates, thus marking their proficiency in AI. These efforts will be recognized at an award ceremony scheduled for October 24, 2024, at The Creamery of Kennett Square, where a total of $22,550 in cash prizes will be distributed. The ceremony will also reveal the winners across three age categories: 16-24, 25-49, and 50+.
In a bid to deepen community engagement, five teams from local non-profit organizations, including Kennett High School, LCH, Kennett Library, RSVP, and YoungMoms, competed for a share of $10,000 in prize money. This collaboration highlighted the program’s aim to foster local talent and support nonprofit initiatives.
Terry Vodery, CEO of United Way of Southern Chester County, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative beyond mere training: “Through this partnership with Microsoft, we wanted to give our community the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital age. This initiative was more than about training – it was about creating opportunities, closing the digital divide, and ensuring that every resident has the tools to succeed in an increasingly AI driven world.”
Looking ahead, the AI Skill-a-Thon has left a lasting educational resource for the community. The courses remain available in both English and Spanish, allowing more residents to enhance their digital skill sets and prepare for the demands of an AI-driven future. This ongoing access represents United Way’s commitment to continuous learning and development in the southern Chester County region.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the upcoming award ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the participants and to witness firsthand the transformative potential of digital education in the community.
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