ACCELERATE ON AI

Skill Forward is a hands-on, outcomes-driven bootcamp to help you build and ship a personal and/or community solution—using modern AI tools, clear frameworks, and mentorship.

Project: Personal and/or Community Solution Deliverables: Public demo + docs + deployed solution Stipend + paid AI credits on completion
Skill Forward hero image

How Will You Benefit?

  • Development of a Proof of Work Portfolio
  • Be able to use AI to perform a variety of tasks (e.g. editing websites, summarizing documents, etc.)
  • A basic understanding of the AI tools and how to use them
  • Skills that you can add on your Resume

Ramp on AI

Start small, ship fast, and build momentum into the bootcamps.
R1
PROOF OF WORK PORTFOLIO (RAMP)

PROJECT: BUILD YOUR PROOF OF WORK PORTFOLIO WITH AI TOOLS

TIME: 4 HOURS (plus a 1-hour live session)

WHAT WE’LL COVER: INTRODUCTION TO AI TOOLS, PROMPTS TO GET STARTED

STRUCTURE

  1. 1 × 1-hour live virtual session
  2. 4 hours of independent work
  3. AI credits on completion of your Proof Of Work Portfolio
R2
IDEA TO REALITY (10 HR RAMP)

PROJECT: IDEA TO REALITY

TIME: 10 HOURS

LESSONS: ONE 90 MINUTE LESSON

WHAT WE’LL COVER: SPOTTING MIGRAINE PROBLEMS, AI TOOLS, VIBE CODING SOLUTIONS

STRUCTURE

  1. 1 × 1.5-hour live virtual session
  2. 8.5 hours of guided independent work (with Mentor Office Hours)
  3. AI credits on deployment of solution

Bootcamps

Two tracks (20 hours or 40 hours). Same outcome: ship something real.
01
2 WEEK AI BOOTCAMP (20 hours)

Project: Personal and/or Community Solution

Time: 20 hours

What we’ll cover: Frameworks, AI tools, existing ideas/problems

Structure

  1. TWO × 1.5-hour live virtual session
  2. FOUR 1-hour mentoring
  3. 16 hours of independent work
  4. Certificate, Stipend on Completion and AI credits on completion of: (a) Public Loom/YouTube video (b) Public documentation (c) Deployed solution
02
4 WEEK AI BOOTCAMP (40 hours)

Project: Personal and/or Community Solution

Time: 40 hours

What we’ll cover: Frameworks, AI tools, existing ideas/problems

Structure

  1. 4 × 1-hour live virtual sessions
  2. 6 hours of guided mentoring/office hours
  3. 30 hours of independent group work
  4. Stipend on Completion, AI credits on completion of: (a) Public Loom/YouTube video (b) Public documentation (c) Deployed solution

How it works

A simple loop: choose a problem → build → demo → document → deploy.

What you’ll leave with

  • A deployed solution (even if “small”)
  • Public demo video (Loom/YouTube)
  • Public documentation (write-up + links)
  • Certificate + stipend + AI credits (upon completion)

What we emphasize

  • Practical frameworks (prompting, evaluation, iteration)
  • Tooling literacy (LLMs, automation, basic deployment)
  • Portfolio-ready artifacts
  • Mentorship and accountability

Program Timeline

From application to deployment — here's how the journey unfolds.
01
Rolling · Open Now

Applications Open

Submit your application via the Google Form. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — apply early for best placement.

02
Within 1 week of applying

Selection & Onboarding

Selected participants receive a welcome email with onboarding materials, tool setup instructions, and cohort details.

03
Week 1

Kickoff & Problem Framing

Live session: introductions, frameworks, picking your problem. You'll leave with a defined use-case and an initial plan.

04
Weeks 1–2 (or 1–4)

Build Sprint

Independent work sessions with mentor office hours. Build, test, iterate using AI tools. Weekly check-ins keep you on track.

05
Final Week

Demo & Documentation

Record your public demo video, publish your write-up, and deploy your solution. Live demo session with the cohort.

06
On Completion

Stipend, Certificate & AI Credits

Receive your completion certificate, stipend payout, and AI credits upon verified submission of all deliverables.

Eligibility Requirements

This program is funded through a Dislocated Worker grant. All applicants must meet the base requirements and qualify under one dislocation type.

Base Requirements

All of the following must be met by every applicant.

1
Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

Used to verify your name and date of birth. There is no minimum age requirement.

2
Selective Service Compliance

Required if you were assigned male at birth, are a U.S. citizen or immigrant residing in the U.S., are between ages 18–25, and were born after January 1, 1960. Registration status is verified through sss.gov/verify.

3
Authorization to Work in the United States

Verified via documentation equivalent to Federal Form I-9 requirements — typically a government-issued ID plus Social Security card, or a valid passport.

Dislocation Type

Applicants must qualify under one of the following dislocation types. Eligibility is confirmed by participant attestation.

Type 1 Terminated or Laid-off Worker

Must meet all three of the following requirements (A, B, and C):

A.

Has been terminated or laid off, or has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment (including a separation notice from active military service).

B.

Is eligible for or has exhausted unemployment insurance compensation — or has been employed for at least three months but is not eligible for unemployment insurance due to insufficient earnings or working for a non-covered employer.

C.

Is unlikely to return to their previous industry or occupation. This can be due to any of the following:

  • Negative economic conditions or sudden economic impact (e.g., pandemic or natural disaster)
  • Decline in the applicant's previous occupation in the local market
  • Significant barriers to employment — such as criminal background, lack of high school diploma/GED, disability, homelessness, cultural or language barriers, being an older worker (55+), or deficient basic skills
  • Previous industry or occupation has been eliminated, or applicant cannot secure comparable compensation
  • Exhausted unemployment benefits and unable to find work in previous industry or occupation
  • Seasonally employed and unlikely to return due to mechanization or significant variance in normal seasonal employment patterns
or
Type 2 Business Closed or Substantial Layoff

Must meet one of the following requirements (A or B):

A.

Has been terminated or laid off, or received notice of termination or layoff, due to the permanent closure of or a substantial layoff (10 or more affected workers) at a company, plant, facility, military installation, or business enterprise.

B.

Is employed at a company where the employer has made a general announcement that the company or location will close within 180 days. A general announcement may include media coverage, filing of a WARN with the State, or written corporate notice of intent to close (including email, employer website, and/or social media postings).

Not sure if you qualify? Contact us — our team can help walk you through the requirements before you apply.

How Will You Benefit?

  • Development of a Proof of Work Portfolio
  • Be able to use AI to perform a variety of tasks (e.g. editing websites, summarizing documents, etc.)
  • A basic understanding of the AI tools and how to use them
  • Skills that you can add on your Resume

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about eligibility and how the program works.
I was a Dislocated Worker but I currently have a job — am I still eligible?

Yes, you are still eligible. Meeting the Dislocated Worker criteria is based on your work history and dislocation experience, not your current employment status. If you previously experienced a qualifying dislocation — such as a layoff, termination, or business closure — you can still participate in the program even if you have since found new work.

What is Selective Service compliance, and do I need to worry about it?

Selective Service registration is a federal requirement — separate from having a valid ID and work authorization — that applies to a specific group of people. You are required to register if you were assigned male at birth, are a U.S. citizen or immigrant residing in the U.S., are between ages 18–25, and were born after January 1, 1960.

If that applies to you, your registration status will be verified through sss.gov/verify. If it does not apply to you, no action is needed on your part.

I'm a recent college graduate — can I participate?

Yes — recent college graduates are welcome to participate in Skill Forward's training programs. You will need to meet the base requirements (valid ID, work authorization, and Selective Service compliance if applicable).

However, the completion stipend is specifically tied to the Dislocated Worker grant funding. To receive the stipend, you would need to qualify under one of the Dislocated Worker dislocation types. If you don't meet that criteria, you can still participate in the bootcamp and receive your certificate and AI credits upon completion.

Do I need to commit to all the programs, or can I attend just one?

You can attend just one program — or all of them. Each offering (Ramp, 2-Week Bootcamp, 4-Week Bootcamp) is enrolled separately, so you choose what fits your schedule and goals. There is no requirement to commit to multiple programs at once.

Still have questions? let’s chat.

Send a note here, or apply directly if you’re ready.
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