MDHEWD launches nation’s first USDOL-aligned AI Literacy course collection in partnership with Coursera

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), in partnership with the global online learning platform Coursera, is proud to announce the launch of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy course collection. This new learning pathway aligns to U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) AI literacy framework and positions Missouri as the first state to offer comprehensive, workforce-aligned AI training on Coursera, helping Missourians build confidence in understanding AI and using it as a tool.

The curation features 60 hours of flexible, online training from leaders such as DeepLearning.AI, Google, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Learners progress through three modules: AI Literacy for All, Strategic AI Usage, and AI-Augmented Human Skills. Trainings focus on practical, real-world applications that help individuals work smarter, make informed decisions, and stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

"These courses highlight our continued commitment to building a future-ready workforce that is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to compete for quality jobs," said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. "By expanding access to high-quality AI training, we're ensuring that Missourians at every skill level have the opportunity to build confidence, stay competitive, and thrive as technology evolves."

Coursera, one of the largest online learning platforms, serves more than 205 million registered learners worldwide with job-relevant education, offering a self-paced learning model that can be downloaded through a mobile app to allow individuals the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere. The platform offers more than 10,500 cutting-edge courses taught by top instructors from over 350 leading universities and companies.

"In partnership with MDHEWD, we built a pathway that's grounded in real applications - so learners can build skills they can apply right away," said Anthony Salcito, senior vice president, GM of enterprise, Coursera. "When learning and training is flexible and connected to real outcomes, it creates new opportunities for individuals to keep pace with the changing workforce."

The initiative supports key directives outlined by Governor Mike Kehoe and directly aligns with Executive Order 26-02, which emphasizes expanding digital opportunity, promoting innovation, and ensuring state-supported workforce programs prepare residents for success in today's technology-driven economy.

The AI Literacy course collection also builds on MDHEWD's successful partnership with Coursera, which began in July 2020 and has already helped thousands of Missourians accelerate their careers through flexible, high-quality online learning.

Missourians can apply for a free course through Coursera at jobs.mo.gov/coursera. After MDHEWD receives your application, a team member from one of our job centers will reach out to you to help you enroll. Individuals must apply and enroll for Coursera through the specific steps provided by the department to access free courses. Participants will receive a certificate for each course they complete, and anyone who completes the entire pathway will earn a MDHEWD AI Literacy Certificate.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or by following MDHEWD's social media accounts.

About Coursera:
Coursera was launched in 2012 by Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. Today, it is one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 205 million registered learners as of March 31, 2026. Coursera partners with over 375 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, and degrees. Coursera's platform innovations - including generative AI-powered features like Coach, Role Play, and Course Builder, and role-based solutions like Skills Tracks - enable instructors, partners, and companies to deliver scalable, personalized, and verified learning. Institutions worldwide rely on Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, students, and citizens in high-demand fields such as GenAI, data science, technology, and business, while learners globally turn to Coursera to master the skills they need to advance their careers. Coursera is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a B Corp.