OpenAI Launches Trainer Program for Its Academy

OpenAI takes a new step for its Academy by creating a community trainer program and announcing new content. The initiative aims to strengthen local training and relies on a network of partners, following over 250 events and more than 4 million people reached in two years.

OpenAI plans more workshops and an enhanced offering

OpenAI intends to continue developing online courses, workshops, and Academy Jams, taking into account feedback from participants and partners. With the Community Trainer Program, the company aims to enable more individuals to lead hands-on AI training in their communities. The stated goal is for everyone to have access to a local resource as needs and tools evolve. OpenAI also seeks to increase opportunities for practice, peer exchange, and to enhance both knowledge and confidence in the everyday use of AI. The pilot program aims to increase the number of workshops offered and support partners—schools, training organizations, small business networks, and community groups—in developing their capacity to teach AI skills.

The Community Trainer Program takes center stage

OpenAI is launching a Community Trainer Program designed to prepare individuals and organizations to teach Academy content in their communities. This initiative builds on existing partnerships and aims to make training and ongoing support more locally accessible. Participating organizations designate staff members to learn the Academy program and lead hands-on workshops: demonstrating useful workflows, assisting in applying AI to concrete tasks, encouraging peer learning, and supporting the evaluation of outcomes. Future trainers undergo training and facilitation assessment before leading Academy sessions.

Pathways, badges, and learning formats already available

The Academy offers self-paced online modules, application guides, in-person workshops, and AI Skills Jams, large gatherings organized across multiple sites. This month, new learning pathways have been established for knowledge professionals, developers, executives, educators, and higher education students. Learners can choose courses tailored to their roles and earn Academy badges by successfully completing assessments.

Two years of activity, 250+ events, and 4 million people reached

In two years, over 250 events have been organized, engaging more than 4 million people with the content of the Academy, launched in September 2024. According to OpenAI, the time and space dedicated to experimenting with AI tools on concrete work, peer learning, and mentor support constitute the most valuable aspect of this training. Collaboration with partners continues to expand this approach to more communities. An AI Skills Jam aimed at K-12 teachers brought together over 1,600 teachers, administrators, and district leaders in eight U.S. cities.

Target audiences and envisioned use cases

The Academy's programs have brought together educators, small business owners, developers, nonprofit organization leaders, and community members, initially focusing on developers and nonprofits addressing local issues. Recurring workshops have been organized for small business owners, educators, veterans, and association leaders, in partnership with national and local organizations. These partners help build trust, mobilize participants, and tailor content to the needs and challenges faced. Among the use cases mentioned: an educator can use ChatGPT to adapt a course, a small business owner can structure a customer research process with AI, and a developer can use Codex to plan and implement a change while maintaining control over the review. According to OpenAI, these programs aim to help participants apply AI to everyday problems.