United Way of Racine County Celebrates Winners of AI Skill-A-Thon, with Support from Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative

Free Classes Will Be Available Until September 2025

RACINE COUNTY (Oct. 24, 2024) — Today, United Way of Racine County is pleased to announce the winners of the AI Skill-a-Thon, a free 30-day skilling competition supported by Microsoft that helped local professionals, job seekers, students and employers learn basic knowledge in AI to help them in their chosen career path.

More than 200 participants joined the competition to earn professional certificates to demonstrate their AI knowledge and were awarded cash prizes at a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 24.

As part of Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative, all courses in the Skill-A-Thon were free to complete and available online via smartphone, tablet, desktop, or laptop. While there was an emphasis on AI-skills, participants can also choose from courses that offer entry level digital skills, soft skills, or essential role-based skills for in-demand careers. The courses are accessible in both English and Spanish and designed to introduce learners to new skills in an on-demand format. Anyone 16 and older can tap into the learning pathways and courses, including employers or individuals.

“The AI Skill-A-Thon gave Racine County residents the chance to get the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the modern workplace,” said Katie Tuttle, special projects manager at United Way of Racine County. “We’re thrilled to have worked with Microsoft to bring this opportunity to Racine County. Resources such as the Community Skills Initiative and the AI Skill-A-Thon promote career advancement and economic stability.”

“AI can empower workers around the country – but only if everyone, everywhere has the skills to use it,” said Michelle Schuler, Microsoft TechSpark Manager. “By working with United Way of Racine County, we are helping equip people with needed AI skills to meet the growing demand for AI-trained professionals.”

The Racine County winners are Gabe Bray, Nick Donaldson, Ieshea Grear, Josh Hardin, Scarlette Kinderman, Beth Knuth, Kellie Mendez, Gadeer Museteif, Sophia Riffer, Martiza Fonseca Rodriquez and Sarah Ynocencio. One winner wished to remain anonymous.

While the competition has concluded for this year, the courses are still accessible in both English and Spanish, available to all who want to learn about AI and expand one’s digital skillset. Please visit UnitedWayRacine.org/skill.