NEWS / SEP.2026
Verizon commits an additional $50 million to free AI training
Verizon announces an additional $50 million to fund free AI training through its US program, “Verizon AI Skills for America.” The initiative expands its target audience beyond employees leaving the company and combines existing courses with local support.
Verizon announces an additional $50 million for AI training, bringing its commitment to $70 million
On September 23, 2026, Verizon announced an additional commitment of $50 million to “Verizon AI Skills for America”, its US initiative providing free artificial intelligence training. The $70 million total presented by the company also includes $20 million already committed to a retraining fund for employees leaving the company.
This $20 million fund was announced on November 20, 2025, to support employees leaving Verizon, in the context of a plan to cut more than 13,000 jobs. The program announced in 2026 expands its target audience to job seekers, workers in transition, young professionals, small businesses and teachers.
Reuters, in its report republished by MarketScreener, reports the ambition to train hundreds of thousands of people. This is a stated goal, distinct from a count of people who have enrolled or completed training.
More than 200 free courses, available from age 18
Verizon’s official catalog lists more than 200 courses and free access for people aged 18 and over in the United States and its territories. Registration requires creating a free account, with no commitment to Verizon.
Verizon brings together training from existing providers, including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, Coursera and OpenAI. The examples shown cover writing and communication, research and synthesis, task automation with Claude, and productivity with ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini.
The catalog includes practical exercises and shareable certificates. Course lengths vary. For example, a course on research using Google’s tools is listed as taking one hour, compared with three hours for a course on automation with Claude.
Local support limited to certain regions
Verizon announces support from Goodwill Industries International, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). These partners are expected to help learners navigate the courses and provide coaching and local support.
However, Verizon limits enhanced support services to certain regional markets. Access to the catalog therefore covers all eligible people in the United States, while the local support planned under the program depends on where the learner is located.