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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Leaders in Montgomery launched the Alabama Digital Education Network Tuesday.
“That could be a good takeaway from this program -- this program has no age…” said Jay Johnson, graduate of the Apple Foundation Program.
The Alabama Digital Education Network is bringing Apple's curriculum, and learning spaces, to rural areas of Alabama. It's an initiative that will teach people how to code, create apps, and use artificial intelligence.
Johnson said he and his group created an app that designers can use through the program.
“At the end of the day, anyone who needs to understand and learn a new skill set -- they can help them understand technology better," he said. "If they want to just upskill their opportunity, when we’re talking about employment-wise, or even just having the knowledge.”
With that new skill set, other students even created an app and an AI assistant to help people find food pantries in the state.
House speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said this initiative will build an even stronger workforce. “It helps us with IT, it helps us advance with technology and AI in today’s world. Giving people the opportunity to come to learn and get certified through Apple -- it’s a big deal," he remarked.
Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) said the new course and learning spaces will reach all 18 Black Belt counties. “What we’re doing... the training they’re gonna get, it’s gonna give us an opportunity.”
That training is provided in a collaboration with Birmingham-based tech company Ed Farm, Alabama Power, Alabama State University, and others.
Waymond Jackson, president of Ed Farm, said even if you don’t want to pursue a career in tech, the training will promote critical thinking skills. “It’s really equipping these learners with those skills," said Jackson. "They can go be successful in any job within this state that exists, or a job that they create on their own.”
Jackson said 90% of jobs will require digital skills by 2030. To learn more about how you can take technology courses through Ed Farm, you can go here.
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