DELAWARE FIRST STATE IN THE NATION TO PARTNER WITH OPENAI ON CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

WILMINGTON - Governor Matt Meyer announced today that Delaware will be the first state in the nation to join the OpenAI Certification Program, a groundbreaking initiative to help students and workers build fundamental skills in artificial intelligence.

The partnership will begin with early-stage programming across schools and workforce training programs to give every Delawarean the chance to earn certifications in AI tools. The effort will be led by Delaware's new Office of Workforce Development, created earlier this year through executive order to modernize and coordinate skills training and education across the state.

"AI is already changing how we live and work, and it's critical that we provide Delaware's workforce with the tools to lead the way in tomorrow's economy," said Governor Matt Meyer. "As a former teacher, I know how important it is to give our students every advantage. As Governor, I know our economy depends on workers being ready for the jobs of the future, no matter their zip code. This partnership is about ensuring Delawareans of all ages can learn these tools and put them to work, in the classroom, on the job, and in our communities."

The OpenAI Certification Program builds on the company's OpenAI Academy, which has already connected millions of learners worldwide with free resources and training. The certification initiative will allow Delaware students, teachers, and workers to demonstrate AI fluency at multiple levels - from basic workplace applications to advanced skills such as prompt engineering.

As one of the first states to join, Delaware will play a key role in shaping how certifications are rolled out at the community level. The program is still in its early stages, but the goal is clear: to empower Delawareans to be not only technology consumers, but technology producers.

"We want to put AI, and the power that comes with it, in the hands of as many people as possible. But it's also important to make sure those people know how to use AI to be more productive, shape the world around them, and control their own destiny in new ways," said Fidji Simo, OpenAI's CEO of Applications. "That's why we're working with a broad range of organizations - from major employers like Walmart and John Deere, to professional services firms like Boston Consulting Group and Accenture, to job search and hiring platform Indeed, to community organizations like the Texas Association of Business and the Bay Area Council, to the Delaware governor's office - to help everyone take advantage of the opportunities that AI has to offer."

In the coming months, the Office of Workforce Development will work with schools, colleges, and employers to identify pilot sites for certification programming and ensure that every community can access this opportunity. About the OpenAI Certification Program OpenAI has committed to certifying 10 million Americans in AI skills by 2030.

Working with state governments, employers, and community organizations, the program will provide training and certification to help people and businesses harness the opportunities of artificial intelligence. Inaugural partners: Walmart, John Deere, Accenture, Boston Consulting Group, the Texas Association of Business, the Bay Area Council, and the State of Delaware.

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