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From GI to AI: Affordable Training Options

Why Artificial Intelligence? The rapid evolution of AI has been nothing less than extraordinary. Some fear AI, and some love it, but whatever your opinion may be, it’s here to stay. 

AI careers can be ideal for veterans because many requisite skills are already in your pocket, including data analysis, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, and critical thinking. You may even already have experience in technology and a security clearance, so let’s put that to work. And the employment outlook is tremendous.

A Bureau of Labor Statistics report noted that careers in technology, including AI, are anticipated to grow by 26% from press time til 2033, far ahead of many vocations. And the salaries, while they may vary over time, are substantial at an average of $170,000, according to Glassdoor.

Jobs in AI

With AI skills, you could be a good fit for anything from banking and social media to major league baseball. According to a LinkedIn search, here are a few companies hiring for AI positions.

• Samsung
• Ikea
• Roku
• United States Postal Service (USPS)
• Starbucks
• CVS Health

Positions advertised included:

• Data Scientist
• Software Engineer
• Research Scientist

Non-GI Bill VA Funding Options

Edith Nourse Science Technology Education and Math (STEM) Scholarship

The STEM scholarship can give you an extra 9 months or $30,000 of education benefits if you’re eligible. There are three ways you may qualify.

• • You‘re currently enrolled in an undergraduate STEM degree plan
  • You’re currently participating in an approved clinical training
  • You have completed a STEM degree plan and are pursuing a teaching certificate

Other requirements apply, so speak with your school or VA representative to get further guidance on your circumstances. 

College and University Programs

If you’re looking for programs in higher education focusing on AI, there are quite a few to choose from. Since some AI-related jobs will necessitate a degree, this may be a good way to use your tuition assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or other education benefits. Let’s check out some schools with support services for veterans and military-connected students.

Cornell University

Cornell is known for its emphasis on technology courses and AI. Their coursework includes the fundamentals of AI, including robotics, machine learning, and natural language processing. There are also great opportunities for hands-on learning through the Cornell AI Initiative. This interdisciplinary approach explores how AI can benefit a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, urban planning, health, and agriculture, to name a few. 

Cornell participates in the VA Yellow Ribbon program, with unlimited spots for undergraduates, which could give you a hand with tuition. They also have a growing veterans ‘ community, including their Veterans House, a campus residence for student veterans and community members who want to learn more about and how to support the military community.

Southern Illinois University – Carbondale (SIUC)

If you want to explore AI before committing to a degree plan, SIUC has some options. And, if you’re still serving, they have a reduced tuition for active-duty students. Don’t forget to maximize these.

As part of their Veterans Lab research, you can receive free AI training, leading to a micro-credential in the school’s MachinE Learning Training for VETerans (MELT-VETT). Plus, they offer a modest stipend for participating.

SIUC is also a participant in the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program. If you think a service dog might assist you with your transition, they have a relationship with This Able Veteran that can provide service dogs to qualifying veterans.

University of California – Berkeley

UC Berkeley has been at the forefront of AI and ranked #1 in undergraduate data analytics and #1 in graduate computer science programs by U.S. News and World Report. There are several options to improve your AI prowess through labs and programs, including the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab, Berkely AI Institute, and Berkeley AI Policy Hub. 

Berkeley has a Veterans Center for military students to assist and guide them during their academic journey. The Center offers peer advising, benefits assistance, a community room, a study room, career mentors, and a class developed to help them acclimate to campus.  

AI Training Opportunities – Nonprofits

While attaining a degree in AI is a great way to go, it isn’t the only way. Burgeoning non-profits and government programs may be a chance to stow away those education benefits while you get your feet wet in AI. Here are several to consider.

Act Now Education 

Act Now Education partners with Coursera to offer 27 free certificate programs and 7000 classes, including AI. For one year, as a veteran, military spouse, or active-duty service member, you can gain access to the entire online coursework platform with industry experts, including IBM, Python, and Meta. They also have mentors from NASA, Google, Booz Allen, Fiserv, Bank of America, Oracle, and others.

Vetsin Tech

Vetsin Tech, a San Francisco-based non-profit, recently launched Vets in AI, which offers pathways to education, entrepreneurship, and employment for the military and their spouses. The initiative is the work of a coalition of public and private organizations and has chapters nationwide. Much of its programming is available free of cost and funded by its sponsors and partners. 

Noble Desktop

If you plan to use your VA education benefits to fund your venture into AI, it’s essential to ensure that the VA approves your program. Noble has several programs, and you may even be able to have some of your housing paid for. Their 114-hour Data Science and AI Certificate is appropriate for beginners and is available on weekdays and weekends.

Other courses include JavaScript, Python, digital marketing, and web design.

NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit organization that offers free technical and soft-skill training leading to a career in technology, including AI. Their programs, comprised of about 30% military-connected students, also have sponsored internships and apprenticeships to get you matched with a corporate or nonprofit sponsor that will fund your training and transportation and even provide a stipend.

Through their NPower MATCH initiative, you may gain access to a 22-week mentorship where you will learn more about career readiness, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Salesforce Military

Through their Trailhead platform, Salesforce provides free online training in tech to reskill and upskill. The program is available to active-duty members of the Guard and Reserves, as well as military spouses. Depending on the time you are willing to invest, you can acquire an industry-recognized certificate in 1 to 6 months. In partnership with Hire our Heroes, you may also qualify for a 12-week paid online training and direct pipeline to partner companies who are hiring. 

Amazon – AI Ready

While not specific to veterans, 8 courses are available at no cost. These can lay the foundation for further studies and include an introduction to generative AI and intermediate AI through digital courses and game-based learning. They also offer cloud training through their “Re-start Program.” 

IBM Skillsbuild

Skillbuild is also not distinct to the military community but is still a great option to enhance your skill set in technology that can prepare you for the AI job market.

With a goal to train 2 million people, their free training spans over 1000 courses and can provide you with IBM digital credentials that you can use for your LinkedIn or resume. The National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) has partnered with IBM to offer this training through their local offices. 

Alison

Alison is an Irish-based learning platform that you can use for certificates or degrees. These are free and allow you to gain knowledge in more than 5,000 courses and over 1,000 in IT.

Their credentials aren’t always acknowledged in the U.S., but they still demonstrate your experience; some even have diplomas. And, if you’re in a remote area with sketchy internet, not to worry, you can download the courses in their app.