Frequently Asked Questions

About the Coalition

Q: What makes the Columbus GenAI Coalition different from other AI education initiatives?
A: We focus specifically on adults and underserved populations often missed by other programs. Our curriculum is designed by enterprise AI experts but delivered through trusted community partners like libraries. We also integrate behavioral science and ethics into every program, not as an afterthought.

Q: Who leads the coalition?
A: Our coalition is led by Arjun Kaarat, who brings Fortune 500 AI experience from Walmart, alongside strategic partners including the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Aspyr Workforce Development Board, and behavioral science experts. We blend enterprise expertise with deep community roots.

Q: Is this a nonprofit organization?
A: We're a coalition of existing organizations working together. Some partners are nonprofits, others are public institutions, and some are private sector supporters. Our governance model prioritizes mission alignment over organizational structure.

Programs and Participation

Q: What does "AI literacy" actually mean?
A: Our programs cover practical skills like using AI tools for productivity, understanding AI's impact on specific industries, prompt engineering basics, and ethical AI use. We don't teach people to build AI—we teach them to use it effectively and responsibly.

Q: Are programs free for participants?
A: Our goal is to eliminate cost as a barrier. Most programs are free, with costs covered by sponsors and partners. Some specialized training may have nominal fees, but we provide scholarships to ensure accessibility.

Q: Do I need a technical background to participate?
A: No. Our community literacy programs start with basic digital skills. We meet people where they are and build up gradually. Our motto is "AI for All," regardless of background.

Q: How long are typical programs?
A: It varies by track. Community workshops might be 2-4 hours, workforce retraining could span several weeks, and small business intensives often run 1-2 days. We're designing modular programs to fit different schedules and learning styles.

Getting Involved

Q: I want to help but don't have AI expertise. Can I still contribute?
A: Absolutely. We need people with expertise in education, community outreach, event planning, communications, evaluation, and many other areas. Your non-AI skills are often exactly what we need most.

Q: What's the time commitment for volunteers?
A: It depends on your role. Strategic advisors might contribute 2-4 hours monthly. Instructors might lead one workshop per quarter. Builders/volunteers can contribute as little as a few hours for specific projects. We design opportunities around your availability.

Q: Can my organization become a formal partner?
A: Yes. We're actively seeking partnerships with employers, educational institutions, community organizations, and others. Partnership terms vary based on shared goals and complementary strengths.

Q: I'm not based in Columbus. Can I still get involved?
A: We welcome supporters from anywhere, especially if you're interested in replicating our model in other cities. Remote volunteers can help with curriculum development, research, and documentation.

Vision and Impact

Q: How do you measure success?
A: We track participant outcomes (skills gained, jobs obtained, businesses improved), community reach (diversity of participants, geographic coverage), and systemic impact (employer adoption, policy influence). We publish regular impact reports.

Q: Will this model work in other cities?
A: That's our goal. We're documenting everything we do to create a replicable framework.

Q: How do you ensure programs are actually helpful, not just trendy?
A: Our curriculum is designed by people who've actually implemented AI at scale, validated through behavioral science research, and continuously refined based on participant feedback and outcome data. We prioritize practical skills that translate directly to real opportunities.

Q: What if AI development outpaces your programs?
A: We build adaptability into our approach. Rather than teaching specific tools, we focus on fundamental concepts and learning frameworks that help people adapt as technology evolves. Our community of practitioners also keeps content current.