CO/AI is launching a new grant program to fund AI education, industry immersion and career assistance to those who have served our nation. Be part of our mission.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming industries and reshaping the global economy. As AI gains increasing power to replace jobs, control information and surveil individuals, the success of democracy in this new era is no longer guaranteed. We believe that the best safeguard of an equitable future is an informed and highly skilled populace equipped with AI literacy. We’re starting this mission with those who have given the most to our country: veterans of the American Armed Forces.
As a veteran owned and operated business, CO/AI believes that a strong America is crucial for promoting democratic values worldwide; however, this can only be true insofar as our citizens possess the knowledge and skills required to hold government agencies and business organizations accountable in an increasingly automated world. In the age of AI, AI literacy is fundamental to this cause.
Our grant program is designed to use AI as a tool for empowerment, providing veterans with the means to learn new technologies, make informed career decisions and develop the skills needed to launch and lead innovative new businesses. It is also designed as a vector for both public and private organizations alike to recruit leaders equipped with skills to make them competitive in the AI economy. By promoting AI literacy, we can foster a more dynamic and driven workforce, and in doing so promote more innovative and values-driven organizations.
AI advancements are moving so fast that traditional school curriculums, often designed years prior to their implementation, are struggling to keep pace with the practical skills required to succeed in today’s workforce. Our grant program is designed to address this challenge by focusing on cutting edge developments, tools and skills required in today’s world. As such, we work directly with various partners at leading AI companies, employers, NGOs, universities and online training platforms to construct custom programs that not only react to today’s challenges but also anticipate those of tomorrow.
Program highlights
Veterans who are accepted into the grant program will receive 100% free access to new AI software tools, virtual workshops, educational resources and on-site trips.
Dates, eligibility & other specifics
Nick Salinas
US Army Special Forces
Nick is a US Army Special Forces officer with nearly 20 years of service in campaigns across the world as a commander and executive officer. During his time of service, he has led teams on multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. A serial entrepreneur, Nick was also formerly a member of the Military Pathways Operations program at Amazon. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was nationally ranked in tae kwon do, and holds an MPSA and an MPA from The Bush School of Government at Texas A&M, where he was an officer mentor to the corps of cadets.
Mark Fogel
US Air Force Fighter Pilot
Mark is an Air Force officer and F-15 fighter pilot with over 20 years of leadership experience. His military career includes positions as Inspector General, flight instructor and squadron commander, and he is a National Security Fellow with the Truman National Security Project. Mark works in human capital at Mile Two, a human-machine teaming software company, and he consults on team effectiveness, organizational culture and talent strategy. Mark is a keynote speaker, including the TED stage, and is a former Manager at GE Aviation. He is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Lloyd Edwards
US Navy SEAL
Lloyd is a Commander in the U.S. Navy and a Navy SEAL. For over 20 years, he has led teams on special operations throughout the world, including multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Lloyd was also a White House Fellow and helped the Office of Personnel Management implement cybersecurity reforms as the agency’s Chief of Staff. He is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and holds an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School and an MBA from the University of Virginia. He is currently on the Council of Foreign Relations and is an active contributor to national security publications.
Veterans: If you are a veteran interested in participating in the grant program, we invite you to fill out a short application by clicking the button below. While we would like to accommodate everyone, our first cohort will be limited to 30 attendees, so we expect the application process to be competitive.
Funding & support partners: If you are interested in funding this important initiative, or if you would like to provide other support, such as hosting field trips or providing free or discounted access to educational resources or software tools, please click the link below and let us know how you would like to be involved.
No hype. No doom. Just actionable resources and strategies to accelerate your success in the age of AI.