UVA Darden Joins Verizon’s AI Skills for America Initiative

Darden is providing "Artificial Intelligence in Marketing," an online course led by Professor Raj Venkatesan, drawing on his expertise at the intersection of AI, analytics and marketing to help learners understand how organizations can incorporate AI into marketing strategy.

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is contributing its expertise to Verizon AI Skills for America, a new nationwide initiative designed to expand access to practical AI education and help prepare the American workforce for an AI-powered economy.

Announced on 23 September, the initiative represent a​ $70 million investment in AI readiness from Verizon and brings together training from leading universities and technology organizations with community-based support. Through the program, learners across the United States can access more than 200 courses and resources at no cost, building skills ranging from AI fundamentals and responsible use to data analytics, marketing and other career-focused applications.

As part of the initiative, Darden is providing "Artificial Intelligence in Marketing," an online course led by Professor Raj Venkatesan, academic director of Darden’s LaCross Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Business. The course draws on Venkatesan’s expertise at the intersection of AI, analytics and marketing to help learners understand how organizations can incorporate AI into marketing strategy and use it to create value for customers.

“We are excited to partner with Verizon on this important effort to expand access to practical AI education,” said Venkatesan. “Marketing is one of the most significant application areas for AI because it offers tremendous potential to help organizations understand customers more deeply and deliver more personalized value. Through 'Artificial Intelligence in Marketing,' Darden brings its case method of learning to help participants develop the judgment skills needed to use AI thoughtfully and effectively. These skills are increasingly essential for anyone entering today’s workforce, regardless of industry or role.”

Darden’s participation reflects the School’s broader commitment to helping people and organizations navigate the opportunities and challenges created by AI. UVA Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning and the LaCross Institute are working alongside the School to spread awareness of the initiative and connect more learners and communities with accessible AI education.

Verizon AI Skills for America is free and open to adults age 18 and older in the United States​ and its territories​, with no Verizon service required. Participants can learn on their own schedule, explore courses at multiple skill levels and earn shareable certificates through select learning experiences.

Explore Verizon AI Skills for America and register for free: Start learning.

Darden encourages alumni, partners, organizations and members of the broader UVA community to explore the resources and share the initiative with colleagues, friends and communities who could benefit from building practical AI skills.

About UVA Darden School of Business

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business prepares responsible global leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences.

Darden's graduate degree programs and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs offered by the Darden School Foundation set the stage for a lifetime of career advancement and impact.

Senior Associate Director, Editorial and Media Relations

Ronald Trzcinski Professor of Business Administration

Venkatesan is an expert in customer relationship management, AI and marketing, marketing metrics and analytics, and mobile marketing. His research focuses on developing customer-centric marketing strategies that provide measurable results.