AI-Ready California
Preparing Californians for an AI-powered workforce
AI-Ready California is a statewide initiative designed to help learners build the foundational AI skills needed for school, work and career growth. Developed through the CSU-Industry AI Workforce Acceleration Board in partnership with SDSU and statewide workforce and education partners, the initiative emphasizes practical AI literacy, ethical use and workforce readiness.
Through SDSU Global Campus, Californians can access a free, fully online, self-paced AI literacy microcredential that can be completed in approximately two to four hours. The program is designed for beginners and does not require a technical background.
A Workforce Readiness Approach
AI-Ready California is informed by a Workforce Readiness Index that organizes AI readiness into three broad skill areas:
Cognitive and Adaptive Skills
Critical thinking, evaluating AI outputs, prompting effectively and adapting to new tools.
Human-Centered and Ethical Practice
Responsible use, privacy, collaboration and resilience in a changing workplace.
Technical Competency
Foundational AI literacy, basic tool use and data awareness.
The AI Literacy Microcredential
SDSU Global Campus will offer the AI-Ready California microcredential as a free, online learning experience designed for Californians with little or no prior AI experience. Upon completion, learners earn a shareable AI literacy microcredential from San Diego State University. Learners will explore:
- How AI systems work
- Responsible and ethical AI use
- Data literacy and AI
- Prompting and interaction
- AI for workplace productivity
- AI for job searches, resumes and interview preparation
- Learn About the Microcredential
Why It Matters
As AI changes how people learn, work and solve problems, AI readiness is becoming an essential workforce skill. AI-Ready California helps learners build confidence while reinforcing responsible practices around privacy, bias, misinformation and ethical use. The initiative is designed to be accessible, scalable and practical—supporting students, working professionals and adult learners who want to strengthen their future-of-work skills.
From Foundation to Workforce Pathways
The microcredential serves as a foundation for continued learning. After completing the introductory AI literacy experience, learners may pursue additional role- or interest-aligned training through industry and workforce partners. This guided pathway approach helps learners move from awareness to application, connecting foundational AI literacy with career-relevant skills.