KENNETT SQUARE, PA — The United Way of Southern Chester County has announced the winners of the 2024 AI Skill-a-Thon, a month-long competition aimed at equipping local individuals with essential AI skills. Supported by Microsoft, this free initiative is part of the company’s AI Skills Initiative, offering accessible learning opportunities to professionals, job seekers, students, and employers.
Participants of the Skill-a-Thon had access to a range of courses focusing on AI, digital skills, and role-based skills for emerging careers. These courses were available online, in both English and Spanish, making them accessible to anyone over the age of 16.
J.J. Childress, Microsoft TechSpark Manager, emphasized the importance of skill-building, saying, “AI can empower workers around the country – but only if everyone, everywhere has the skills to use it.” Terry Vodery, CEO of United Way of Southern Chester County, added that the initiative is about equipping individuals with tools to tackle complex problems.
The competition recognized winners across different age categories:
Ages 16-24
- 1st Place: Jasmine Esparza ($1500)
- 2nd Place: Chelsea Buitron ($1000)
- 3rd Place: Mirna Luna ($600)
- 4th Place: Ashly Florencio ($250)
Ages 25-49
- 1st Place: Brendalis Luciano ($1500)
- 2nd Place: Jennifer Butler ($1000)
- 3rd Place: Kate Wickersham ($600)
- 4th Place: Laura Elliot ($250)
Ages 50+
- 1st Place: Jennifer Hahn ($1500)
- 2nd Place: Barbara Miller ($1000)
- 3rd Place: Jim Mercante ($600)
- 4th Place: David Valee ($250)
Team Winners
- 1st Place: Kennett High School Walk In Knowledge Program (Loretta Perna) – $5000
- 2nd Place: LCH (Kate Wickersham) – $3000
- 3rd Place: Kennett Library Adult Literacy Program (Filomena Elliot) – $2000
- 4th Place: RSVP (Michele Moll) – $1000
Honorable mentions, receiving $100 each, were awarded to Joan Holliday, Mary Hewes, Daphne Also, Ashley Torrey, Kevin Ayllon Gayton, Mercedes Diaz, Maria Duran, Karen Strauss, Mia Wickersham, and Victoria Mata Lopez.
Although this year’s competition has ended, the AI courses remain open to anyone interested in expanding their digital skills. For more information, visit the United Way of Southern Chester County’s website.
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