Fully
Sponsored
Applied
Gen AI

Micro-Credential
Program

An eight-week Applied Generative AI Career Accelerator program created by Vista Data and sponsored through Upskill Mid-South. You'll learn how to use AI tools hands-on to solve real career challenges, build a professional portfolio, and earn an industry-recognized micro-credential. The program blends live virtual instruction, three in-person events in Memphis, and guided project work focused on career development.

Professionals in the Mid-South region who want to build practical AI skills for career advancement. Whether you're between jobs, switching careers, or looking to move into a full-time career, this program gives you the hands-on experience and credential employers are looking for. You must be eligible for an Upskill Mid-South sponsorship voucher to participate.

The Kappa cohort runs 8 weeks from April 7 through June 2, 2026 (with a Memorial Day break week May 24–30). Weekly sessions are on Tuesdays (90-minute class sessions, 1:00–2:30 PM CT) and Fridays (60-minute skill builders, 1:00–2:00 PM CT), via Zoom. Three in-person sessions are held in Memphis and run 1:00–3:00 PM CT: Program Kickoff and AI Action Lab at Serendipity Labs (East Memphis), and the Summit & Graduation at the FedEx Institute of Technology on the UofM campus. All dates are tentative — you'll receive confirmed dates upon acceptance.

This sponsorship is designed for individuals who need to upskill to secure stable, full-time employment. You may qualify for full program sponsorship if you meet the following criteria: you live in the Upskill Mid-South service area (42 counties across Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas), and you are currently unemployed or underemployed (working less than 30 hours per week, or earning less than $20/hour). Program tuition, all materials, tools, credentials, and the required Google AI Pro subscription are fully provided for eligible participants. Eligibility is confirmed through Upskill Mid-South after you apply.

No. If you can use email and a web browser, you have enough technical background. We start from scratch and build your skills week by week. You'll have a Tech Coach guiding you through every tool, step by step, plus a Program Coach supporting your career development throughout.

Graduates receive a micro-credential certificate from Vista Data, plus a digital badge you can share on LinkedIn and other professional platforms. The program also prepares you for the Google Generative AI Leader and CompTIA AI Essentials certifications. The credential verifies your practical ability to use AI tools for real-world problem-solving — a standout addition to any resume or portfolio.

The program centers on Google's AI ecosystem: Gemini Gems for custom AI assistants, Google AI Search for research, NotebookLM for document analysis and knowledge management, and Gemini for Google Sheets for data analysis. You'll also gain exposure to Claude, ChatGPT, Grok, and Copilot through cross-platform comparison exercises. All tools and subscriptions are fully sponsored for eligible participants.

Click the "Apply Now" button on this page to complete a brief application form. Once submitted, our team and Upskill Mid-South will review your eligibility for a sponsorship voucher. Eligible applicants will receive confirmation along with session dates, location details, and everything you need to get started.