California Is Training the Next Generation of AI Experts – for Free

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a massive new program to train students and high schoolers for careers in AI, with support from Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Adobe.

The best part? It’s 100% free — with classes offered at California State University (CSU) campuses, community colleges, and even high schools. This could be a life-changing opportunity for thousands.

Why Now?

Newsom says, “AI is the new infrastructure of the future — as essential as roads, power, and communication.”

And he’s not wrong: experts predict that by 2030, AI could create up to 300 million new jobs worldwide. In the U.S., AI is already transforming industries the way the internet once did.

Instead of waiting for the job market to catch up, California is getting ahead. And this program isn’t just for coders — future teachers, designers, healthcare workers, engineers, journalists, and artists are all welcome.

What’s in the Program?

1. AI Basics — For high school and early college students: what AI is, how it works, ethics, and safe use.
2. Advanced Modules — Hands-on coding, algorithms, and machine learning tools from Microsoft, Google, and IBM.
3. Creative AI — Using AI for art, design, music, and video. Adobe will lead training in their Creative Cloud tools with AI features.
4. Real Projects — Students work on actual challenges from partner companies, mentored by industry professionals.

Where and How to Join

The program starts in the 2026 academic year at CSU campuses, community colleges, and select high schools in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco.

For those in rural areas, online classes will be available — mobile-friendly, so you can learn even from your phone.

Why This Matters for California’s Economy

Even in the tech capital of the world, there’s a shortage of AI-skilled workers. In 2024 alone, California companies posted over 120,000 job openings requiring AI knowledge.

Training talent locally will:

• Fill skill gaps in fast-growing industries.
• Keep California a leader in global tech innovation.
• Give opportunities to students from low-income families who usually can’t access expensive IT education.

Meet the Future Students

17-year-old Lisbeth from Oakland wants to be a doctor, but she knows AI will shape the future of medicine. “I want to learn how to use AI for diagnosing diseases. Without this program, I wouldn’t know where to start.”

20-year-old Cameron from Sacramento is a musician who now wants to master Adobe Firefly for AI-powered music videos. “I’m not a programmer, but this program gives creative people a way into tech,” he says.

The Role of Tech Partners

• Google — Cloud services and machine learning tools.
• Microsoft — Access to Azure AI, Copilot, and AI assistants for business.
• IBM — AI ethics training and industrial applications.
• Adobe — Creative AI for design, photo, and video.

These companies see this as an investment in their future workforce.

AI in High Schools – for the First Time

For the first time ever, California high school students as young as 9th grade can take AI courses. Lessons are designed for all skill levels, even for beginners with no coding experience.

Teachers will also get their own AI training to stay ahead of the curve.

Challenges Ahead

• Equal access for rural schools with limited tech.
• Data privacy in AI projects.
• Ethics — preventing bias and misuse.

Newsom says every course will include training on ethics and responsible AI use.

The Future Is Closer Than You Think

California is betting that AI will soon be as common as spreadsheets or email. Graduates of this program could be running startups, designing smart cities, inventing medical AI tools, or creating new forms of entertainment in just a few years.