I received the following press release yesterday and thought it might be something interesting to share with all of you.
IBM and the USTA Foundation announced a new collaboration to offer free career readiness through IBM SkillsBuild. With a focus on AI and professional development courses and credentials, this effort will benefit up to 25,000 youth from 250 chapters in under-resourced communities across the US.
IBM will provide the USTA Foundation students, teaching professionals, staff, and alumni with:
- Free access to over 1,000 IBM SkillsBuild courses, including credentials in AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics, as well as professional skills such as design thinking and resume writing with generative AI.
- Customized learning plans, developed in collaboration with the USTA Foundation, offer enriching experiences aligned with students’ and teaching professionals’ career goals.
- Special workshops and support for teaching professionals, including IBM volunteers providing coaching and subject matter expert workshops.
“Together with the USTA Foundation, IBM is equipping the next generation with essential AI skills, opening doors to future opportunities, and shaping a brighter future for youth across the country. This collaboration is a key part of our commitment to skilling 30 million people by 2030,” explains Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM VP and Chief Impact Officer.
Simultaneously, IBM is launching new, free content on understanding AI within the context of tennis on IBM SkillsBuild – to be available in English and Spanish.
- Guidebook – Learning AI skills with Tennis: Covers data modeling, an overview of types of AI and models, including LLMs like IBM Granite, AI job types, and AI ethics.
- Microlearning – How technology is used in tennis: In under 15 minutes, explore how AI is being used in tennis, like in enhanced electronic line calling, player analytics, and improved broadcasting.
USTA Past President and current Executive Director of the Harlem Tennis and Education Program, Katrina Adams had this to say: “I want to thank the USTA Foundation for providing NJTL students access to IBM SkillsBuild. The content offered will allow our young people to explore complex technology subjects in a thorough yet concise manner. The lessons presented will add to our student’s knowledge and help set themselves up for success as they compete for jobs in the 21st century.”
This builds on IBM’s 30+ year partnership with the USTA providing IBM’s technology and consulting capabilities. At the US Open, IBM is leveraging AI, cloud, and data capabilities – including our large language model called Granite – to create more engaging experiences for millions of tennis fans. You can learn more here.
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