AI Literacy Digital Badge: Program Details

This page provides detailed information about the AI Literacy Digital Badge, including course structure, timelines, eligibility requirements, funding options, and step‑by‑step instructions for getting started.

Use the sections below to review program details, confirm your eligibility, and prepare to enroll in the AI Literacy courses.

Thanks to funding from the Good Jobs Challenge, eligible participants may be able to complete these AI courses at little or no cost.

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Jump to: Course Information | Cost | Funding & Eligibility | Course Timeline | Getting Started

Cost

Participants can register for Course 1 only or for both courses.

  • Course 1: $2,985
  • Course 1 + Course 2: $4,175

Funding & Eligibility

Eligible participants can complete both courses at no cost.

Funds are available for residents of North Dakota and 27 counties in Minnesota who are looking to level up their AI skills in advanced manufacturing, agriculture/food, and cybersecurity/information technology.

To receive funding, participants must complete the Good Jobs Challenge grant application.

The 27 MN counties are: Cass, Clay, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Becker, Beltrami, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Roseau, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, or Wilkin.

Course Information

Participants gain a foundational, practical understanding of AI with an emphasis on generative AI tools used in everyday work.

Courses will have a Part A: AI Literacy Fundamentals and Part B: Applied Project with Mentor. Part B will only be available for participants who complete Part A.

AI Literacy Fundamentals (Part A)

Self-paced, online, asynchronous

  • Estimated time: Approximately 30 hours total
  • Flexible schedule with rolling enrollment
  • Designed for non-technical learners

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

  • Explain core AI concepts, capabilities, and limitations
  • Identify where AI complements (and where it cannot replace) human skills
  • Craft clear, effective prompts to guide AI systems
  • Review and revise AI-generated outputs using human judgement
  • Protect sensitive information and follow ethical AI practices
  • Reflect on how AI fits into their professional role and future growth

Applied Project with Mentor (Part B)

After completing Part A, participants can deepen their skills through a real-world applied project with mentor guidance.

Estimated time: under 20 hours

What You’ll Do:

  • Design a practical AI-related goal for your work or industry
  • Receive structured feedback from peers and a mentor
  • Implement and test your plan
  • Present results and reflect on outcomes

Course Timeline

Part A: AI Literacy Fundamentals

  • May 18: Course opens
  • May 18-July 10: Rolling enrollment (start anytime after enrolling)
  • August 3: Final deadline to complete all modules

Part B: Mentored Applied Project

  • August 10: Project onboarding and mentor matching begins
  • August 10-September 7: Project implementation period
  • September 7: Final submissions due

Getting Started

Step 1: Apply for Good Jobs Challenge Funding

Before applying, review eligibility requirements.

Complete the Good Jobs Challenge grant application. Please allow 7-10 days for processing.

Step 2: Enroll in the AI Courses

Once you’ve submitted your grant application, go to the Continuing Studies website and enroll in the following courses:

  • AI Literacy Fundamentals
  • Applied Project with Mentor

Register for both courses to complete the full training experience and earn your badge.

Step 3: Complete the Courses by the Deadline

Finish all required coursework by the course deadlines to earn your badge and meet grant expectations.