By Tony H.Smart
The U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at boosting artificial intelligence literacy among American workers, introducing a free, text-based training program designed to make AI education widely accessible.
The program, called “Make America AI-Ready,” allows participants to enroll by simply texting “READY” to 20202. Once registered, users receive daily lessons and short challenges delivered via text message, requiring about 10 minutes of engagement per day over a seven-day period.
According to the department, the initiative is part of a broader federal effort to prepare the workforce for an increasingly AI-driven economy, aligning with the administration’s workforce development agenda and national AI strategy.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the program is intended to expand opportunity and ensure workers are not left behind as technology evolves.
“The ‘Make America AI-Ready’ initiative is designed to ensure every American worker has the chance to learn foundational skills so they can benefit from the opportunities that the AI economy presents,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Labor remains committed to putting American workers first by providing them with the skills they need to support themselves and their families.”
Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling emphasized the growing role of AI in shaping the modern economy, noting its impact on job creation and productivity.
“This initiative will help demystify AI for American workers,” Sonderling said. “We are seeing AI create new jobs, new levels of productivity, and new forms of entrepreneurship, and we want to make sure all Americans have the skills to share in that prosperity.”
The course was developed through a public-private partnership with education technology company Arist, which specializes in delivering learning content via text messaging. The mobile-first approach is designed to reach individuals who may lack consistent internet access or a computer, lowering barriers to entry for digital skills training.
Participants are introduced to five key areas of AI literacy, including understanding basic AI concepts, exploring real-world applications, learning how to effectively interact with AI tools, evaluating AI-generated outputs, and using AI responsibly and ethically.
The Labor Department says the program is intended as an entry point, with additional resources offered at the end of the course for those interested in advancing their AI skills or pursuing careers in the field.
Officials also stressed that phone numbers used to enroll in the program will be used strictly for course delivery and will not be shared or sold for marketing purposes.
The launch reflects growing urgency among policymakers to equip workers with digital competencies as artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries across the United States.
