TL;DR: The federal government, led by former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, has launched the bipartisan nonprofit “Raise Us,” backed by Amazon, Anthropic, Microsoft and the OpenAI Foundation with $1 billion to retrain workers whose jobs may be automated by AI. This guide shows you how to stay informed, assess eligibility, and position yourself to benefit from the program as details roll out.
Key takeaways
- The $1 billion Raise Us initiative is a joint effort by the U.S. government and major AI companies to reskill workers facing automation.
- Eligibility criteria have not been published yet, so staying alert to official announcements is essential.
- Prepare a clear skills inventory, update your résumé, and gather proof of employment history before the application window opens.
- Leverage free online learning platforms and community resources while you wait for formal program details.
- Pro tips include networking with local workforce agencies and setting realistic short‑term learning goals.
Problem: AI Is Redrawing the Job Map
Across the United States, advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping how work gets done. Companies that develop generative models, large‑scale language tools, and autonomous systems are automating tasks that once required human oversight. For many workers, the speed of change feels unsettling: roles in customer support, data entry, basic analysis and even some creative functions are being re‑engineered by AI. The anxiety is real, and the need for a concrete pathway to new skills is urgent.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Can Apply
Because the Raise Us program is still in its rollout phase, the official application portal, eligibility thresholds and curriculum details have not been released. However, a few preparatory steps will put you in a strong position once the program opens:
- Identify Your Current Role and Skill Set. Write down the tasks you perform daily, the software you use, and any certifications you hold. This inventory will help you match your profile to future training tracks.
- Gather Employment Documentation. Keep recent pay stubs, tax forms (W‑2s), or employment letters handy. When the program launches, proof of employment will likely be required to confirm that you are part of the target workforce.
- Set Up a Professional Online Presence. Update your LinkedIn profile, create a concise résumé, and consider a personal portfolio if your work involves projects or deliverables.
- Secure Reliable Internet Access. Most retraining modules will be delivered online. A stable connection and a device capable of running modern browsers are essential.
- Stay Informed. Subscribe to newsletters from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Raise Us website (once live), and the four funding partners—Amazon, Anthropic, Microsoft and the OpenAI Foundation. Their press releases will contain the first details about application dates.
Steps: How to Position Yourself for the Raise Us Program
Below is a practical workflow you can follow today, even though the exact enrollment process is still pending.
- Monitor Official Channels. According to The Decoder, former U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced the Raise Us nonprofit on June 27, 2026. Follow the Department of Commerce’s news feed and the Raise Us social accounts for the first public call for applications.
- Register for Early‑Interest Lists. When the program’s website goes live, there will likely be an “interest form” or “waitlist” feature. Submit your contact information immediately; early registrants often receive priority notifications.
- Complete a Self‑Assessment Survey. Anticipate a questionnaire that asks about your current job, years of experience, and skill gaps. Use the inventory you created in the prerequisites section to answer accurately and thoughtfully.
- Choose a Training Pathway. The $1 billion fund is meant to cover a range of sectors, from technical upskilling (e.g., data analysis, cloud computing) to soft‑skill development (e.g., problem‑solving, communication). Identify which pathway aligns with your career goals and the demand signals you see in your industry.
- Apply for Financial Support. The program’s budget is sizable, but individual grants or tuition waivers will be allocated on a case‑by‑case basis. Prepare to submit documentation of income, existing debt, or other financial need if asked.
- Enroll in Approved Courses. Once accepted, you will receive a list of partner institutions and online platforms approved by Raise Us. Enroll promptly, as spots may be limited.
- Track Progress and Earn Credentials. Most courses will issue certificates or micro‑credentials. Keep a personal record of completion dates and badge URLs; these will be useful when you later apply for new jobs.
- Leverage the Alumni Network. Raise Us is expected to build a community of retrained workers. Participate in forums, attend virtual meet‑ups, and connect with mentors who can help you translate new skills into employment.
Pro Tips: Getting the Most Out of the Program
Even before the official launch, you can boost your chances of success:
- Start Small with Free Resources. Platforms like Coursera, edX and Khan Academy already host AI‑related courses. Completing a few introductory modules shows initiative and gives you a head start.
- Network Locally. Reach out to your state’s workforce development agency. They often have supplemental grants or counseling services that complement federal programs.
- Set Measurable Learning Goals. Instead of vague statements like “learn AI,” aim for concrete milestones—e.g., “complete a Python basics course in four weeks” or “earn a data‑visualization badge by month’s end.”
- Document Real‑World Projects. Apply new skills to a small project at your current job or a personal side‑hustle. Concrete examples make your résumé stand out when you later apply for roles that require the retrained capabilities.
- Stay Flexible. The AI field evolves quickly. Be ready to pivot to emerging sub‑domains (e.g., prompt engineering, AI‑assisted design) if the program’s curriculum updates.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Raise Us
The $1 billion funding pool, contributed by Amazon, Anthropic, Microsoft and the OpenAI Foundation, signals a rare alignment of private AI leaders with a public‑policy goal. While the exact rollout schedule remains under development, the partnership suggests that the program will have both breadth (covering many occupations) and depth (offering industry‑grade credentials). As the initiative gains momentum, additional resources—such as mentorship pipelines from the funding companies—may become available.
Keep an eye on announcements from June onward. When the first cohort opens, the steps outlined above will help you move from “interested” to “enrolled” without missing a beat.
