Announcing the Grow with Google AI Scholarship Cohort

Preparing organizations and learners for the future of work through applied AI skills

scaleLIT is proud to announce the selected organizations for our first Grow with Google AI Scholarship Cohort, marking an important step in supporting Illinois’ adult education and workforce ecosystem as it adapts to rapid technological change.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how people search for jobs, access services, and participate in the workforce. At the same time, adult education and workforce organizations are navigating how to integrate these tools responsibly and equitably.

As a Grow with Google Partner, scaleLIT helps bridge that gap by translating a global shift in technology into practical strategies that strengthen programs, staff capacity, and learner outcomes.

Following a competitive application process, the following 11 organizations have been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort:

• Erie Neighborhood House

• Easterseals Inc.

• Heartland Human Care Services

• Highland Community College

• Hunger Free America

• Instituto del Progreso Latino

• National Able Network

• Northeastern Illinois University El Centro

• Pui Tak Center

• SERCO

• The Learning Center / House of Connections

Each organization will support staff participation in a structured learning experience, gaining access to Google-developed training, including:

• Google AI Essentials

• Google Prompting Essentials

• Accelerate Your Job Search with AI

Through this cohort, participants will build practical skills in applying AI tools to workforce development, service delivery, and career navigation — ensuring that innovation is grounded in real-world implementation.

This initiative reflects scaleLIT’s broader commitment to advancing digital equity and workforce readiness across Illinois. By convening organizations in a cohort model, scaleLIT is not only expanding access to training but also fostering shared learning and system-wide alignment.

The cohort will begin onboarding in April, with participants working toward completion this summer.

Additional scholarship opportunities may be announced in the coming months.

This work is part of scaleLIT’s ongoing effort to ensure that adult education and workforce systems are prepared — not reactive — in the face of technological change.

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who applied for the Grow with Google AI Scholarships. The level of interest reflects a shared commitment across Illinois to preparing for the future of work.

We are excited to work alongside this first cohort of organizations as they build and apply AI skills in ways that strengthen services, expand opportunity, and support adult learners.