Verizon Commits $70M to Free AI Training

Verizon announced a $70 million nationwide initiative to provide free artificial-intelligence training for job seekers, early-career professionals, displaced workers, educators and small businesses. The investment combines $50 million in new funding with a previously established $20 million reskilling fund for departing employees. A centralized portal will offer training from IBM, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, Coursera and OpenAI, while Goodwill Industries and other community organizations will provide localized coaching and support. Verizon said the effort is intended to help workers adapt to changing employer demands, assist small-business growth and strengthen the U.S. economy, while urging other companies and public-sector partners to invest in AI readiness.