Develop an AI-Powered Workforce in the Mid-South

8 Week AI + Data Analytics (AIDA) Micro-Credentialing Training Program

The AIDA program is designed for non-technical professionals seeking hands-on expertise in AI and data analytics. Now enhanced with a micro-credential pathway, our training provides you with a digital badge that certifies your acquired skills — making your progress and expertise immediately career relevant.

Full Tuition Sponsorship (up to 100%) available through our partners at Upskill Mid-South for professionals in advanced manufacturing, transportation, logistics, technology, and construction.

See the list of eligible counties in the Upskill Mid-South Service Area
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Why Choose This Program?

Program Coaches

1. Human-First AI Integration

  • Train your team to integrate AI effectively with their expertise, ensuring a balanced, human-first approach to technology adoption.

2. Direct Professional Impact

  • Personal & Professional Growth: Acquire practical skills in AI & data tools (ChatGPT, Perplexity, NotebookLM, Tableau) that will boost both individual work and team collaborations.

3. Earn a Micro-credential

  • Achieve a certification that validates your skills in AI and data analytics skills, enhancing career growth and professional opportunities.

4. Ongoing Learning Support

  • Delivered through the AI-Powered Vista Data Learning Experience Platform (LXP) & Community, combining in-person workshops, live virtual sessions, and on-demand learning led by the Vista Data team.
  • Includes Aida, AI Coach, providing 24/7 support on using ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Tableau.

5. Build Enduring AI Innovation Skills

  • Develop your organization’s internal "AI talent" with the long-term skills to champion AI innovations in your own organization.

Program Structure

Three In-Person Events

Facilitating collaboration, community building, and knowledge sharing.

Five Live Virtual Sessions

Weekly interactive sessions led by Vista Data’s experts, blending theory with practical training.

Weekly AI Journals

Opportunities for hands-on practice, reflection, and exploration through the program’s platform.

Dedicated Learner Community

A private online learner community for continuous communication and support.

Program Technology & Tools

The AI + Data Analytics program will focus on using the most useful AI and data analytics tools available to everyone. You will explore:

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

For content generation, ideation, and workflow optimization.

Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI

As an AI research tool for knowledge generation and synthesis.

Notebook LM

NotebookLM

To analyze internal documents and generate insights.

Tableau

Tableau

For data analysis and visualization.

Program Timeline

Week 1

Program Kickoff (In-Person)

Program onboarding, foundational AI concepts, establishing a learning mindset, and initial tool exploration.

Week 2-4

AI Assistants Design & Development

Designing and developing AI assistants for productivity, writing, research, and knowledge management through hands-on exercises and weekly AI journals.

Week 5

Data & Visual Analytics with Tableau Session (In-Person)

Integration of data analytics tools (Tableau), foundational data concepts, and use of AI as a business intelligence tool with a hands-on workshop.

Week 6-7

AI Action Lab: Workplace Innovation

Each participant will design an AI-driven solution for workplace challenges, with the top three projects advancing as finalists in a competition and presenting at the program summit in front of city and organizational leaders in the Mid-South.

Week 8

Program Summit & Graduation (In-Person)

Presentations of best projects, a panel discussion on AI and data analytics, the future of work, and workforce development, followed by the selection of the competition winner, graduation, and a community celebration.

Earn the AIDA Program
Micro-credential

Complete our 8-week program to earn a verified digital micro-credential that highlights your AI and data analytics expertise.

This Vista Data micro-credential validates your ability to:

  • Create and manage AI-powered workplace solutions
  • Lead data-driven decision-making processes
  • Develop effective human-AI collaborations
  • Drive innovation within your organization

Your digital badge integrates seamlessly with LinkedIn and other professional platforms, connecting you with opportunities that demand these sought-after skills.

APPLY Now
AIDA Program Certification Badge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AIDA?

AI + Data Analytics (AIDA) Program is an 8-week hybrid micro-credentialing program that equips non-technical professionals with practical skills in AI and data analytics. The program combines virtual learning with in-person sessions to help participants develop expertise through hands-on experimentation.

Who is eligible for full sponsorship?

Full sponsorship (100% of program costs) is available for applicants from:

What is the time commitment?

The program runs for 8 weeks and includes:

  • Three in-person events (kickoff, mid-program session, final summit)
  • Five weekly one-hour virtual workshops
  • Self-paced learning modules and hands-on labs

What will I learn?

Participants learn to:

  • Use AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and NotebookLM effectively
  • Apply data visualization techniques with Tableau
  • Develop AI-enhanced workplace solutions
  • Lead AI adoption initiatives in their organizations

What support is available during the program?

Participants receive:

  • Access to Aida, an AI coach available 24/7 to provide support in using AI and data analytics tools
  • Technical guidance
  • Program staff support
  • Peer learning opportunities
  • Professional networking connections

How is the program structured?

The program follows a hybrid format with:

  • Live virtual sessions for interactive learning
  • In-person events for hands-on practice
  • Asynchronous modules for flexibility
  • Weekly reflection exercises
  • Practical workplace applications

What are the program requirements?

To earn a certificate, participants must:

  • Attend at least 6 of 8 live sessions (*Attendance at the Program Kickoff is mandatory)
  • Complete all 6 weekly hands-on assignments
  • Submit the final AI Capstone project
  • Meet the April 6, 2025 deadline for all submissions

What credentials will I earn?

Graduates receive:

  • AIDA Program completion certificate
  • Digital micro-credential badge shareable on LinkedIn
  • Verified skills credentials
  • Portable certifications for professional platforms

When does the program start?

We are currently accepting priority applications for the next cohort. Program dates will be announced soon.

What is the application deadline for the next cohort?

The deadline for the next cohort will be announced soon. Apply here.

Still have questions?

Contact Us