Make America AI-Ready is a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip American workers, employers, and trade associations with the foundational skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving AI economy. This content is specifically for American workers across all industries, employers seeking to future-proof their teams, and trade associations committed to workforce development. As artificial intelligence transforms sectors from construction to healthcare, the ‘Make America AI-Ready’ initiative is more important than ever. It ensures that every American—regardless of background, education, or access to technology—has the opportunity to learn essential AI skills. The initiative is designed to be accessible to all Americans, including those without a laptop or with limited internet access, so that no one is left behind as the AI economy creates new opportunities and job roles.
The ‘Make America AI-Ready’ initiative prepares American workers for the AI economy by offering a free, one-week AI literacy course accessible to everyone via text message. Its primary goal is to ensure every worker can learn foundational skills and benefit from AI-driven opportunities, regardless of their technical background or access to technology. By demystifying AI and providing practical, job-relevant training, the initiative empowers workers to adapt to changes in the job market and seize new opportunities created by artificial intelligence.
Transition: With these key features, the initiative is positioned to make AI literacy accessible and practical for every American worker, regardless of their circumstances.
The AI economy is already reshaping American jobs. The AI economy presents new opportunities for American workers, including new jobs and new forms of entrepreneurship driven by advances in artificial intelligence. In construction, AI tools now power estimating software, predictive maintenance scheduling, and jobsite safety monitoring. Small contractors use AI systems to draft bids and summarize specification documents.
The divide is widening. Workers and firms using artificial intelligence see faster output and better margins. Those without foundational AI skills risk being outbid or sidelined, as foundational AI skills are essential for success in an AI-driven economy. The federal government launched this initiative as a direct response—by democratizing AI education so that American workers without college degrees can participate in this technological revolution.
Transition: To address these challenges and opportunities, the Department of Labor has introduced a practical, accessible solution for all American workers.
The Department of Labor, led by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and the deputy secretary, launched this free, seven-day AI literacy course delivered entirely via text message. Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling has been a key advocate for the ‘Make America AI-Ready’ program, emphasizing the importance of workforce skills development and economic opportunity for all Americans. The Department of Labor is working through public-private partnerships to deliver accessible AI education, collaborating with technology and education companies to expand reach. This initiative is designed to reach all American workers, including America’s youth, to prepare the next generation for AI-related careers.
The format features daily challenges taking about 10 minutes, with interactive lessons that teach concepts and ask workers to practice. The text message-based design works on any phone, including flip phones. No app download, no Wi-Fi, limited access requirements. Workers simply text READY to 20202.
Upon completion, participants receive recommendations for AI-related careers and more advanced AI skills training.
Transition: Central to the course is a focus on foundational competencies, as outlined in the National AI Literacy Framework.
The Department of Labor’s AI Literacy Framework defines five foundational competencies every worker needs. These aren’t optional extras—they’re core workplace skills for the next generation of American workers. The five pillars of AI literacy, as outlined in the National AI Literacy Framework, include:
Transition: By removing traditional barriers, the initiative ensures these essential skills are within reach for all Americans.
Many workers lack time, broadband, or laptops. This initiative reaches 95% of Americans via basic phone numbers, allowing a foreman on O’ahu to complete lessons between site meetings without requiring classroom time.
Transition: The initiative also aligns with broader national strategies to build a future-ready workforce.
The America AI Ready initiative aligns with the White House AI Action Plan and America’s Talent Strategy. The Trump administration’s commitment to expanding AI literacy treats this as national infrastructure, signaling employers should integrate these skills into workforce development programs.
Transition: For employers, leaders, and trade associations, this initiative offers actionable steps to prepare their teams for the future.
At ABC Hawaii, we see AI create new opportunities across estimating, safety analytics, and BIM. We encourage members to promote the 20202 number in orientations and safety meetings. For Hawaii’s small businesses and merit-shop contractors, AI literacy complements—rather than replaces—hands-on craft skills.
Transition: Getting started is simple and accessible for everyone.
Take out your phone and text READY to 20202. Employers: share this number in breakroom posters and toolbox talks. The AI journey starts with one text. Those who begin now will help define Hawaii’s economic leadership.
