For immediate release:
Contact: Nathan Miller
nathan.miller1@maryland.gov
443-346-3972
Crownsville, MD: Today, the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT), in partnership with InnovateUS, is proud to announce that it offers free asynchronous AI courses and workshops for Maryland state employees.
By prioritizing AI literacy, the State of Maryland will be better positioned to integrate the technology ethically and responsibly into its government services.
“Generative Artificial intelligence (GenAI) is transforming society and work in myriad ways, unlocking new opportunities for Maryland's government services. At the same time, AI poses risks that the State must consider and mitigate,” says Katie Savage, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Information Technology and Chair of the AI Subcabinet. “By prioritizing best-in-class education, the State’s workforce will be able to identify risks and opportunities more quickly and implement this technology effectively and responsibly.”
In January, Governor Moore issued an executive order establishing the AI Subcabinet. This subcabinet facilitates statewide coordination of responsible, ethical, and productive use of AI, sets objectives and priorities, and builds internal and external partnerships. In addition to the free AI courses, DoIT and the AI subcabinet have helped foster an AI culture of responsible innovation through interim guidance and a statewide community of practice.
Later this year, the AI subcabinet will release further policies, playbooks, and roadmaps guiding the responsible and productive use of AI and machine learning technologies. DoIT will create an AI inventory that publicly details all live AI use cases in the state. DoIT also works with multiple sister agencies to help them establish several AI “proofs-of-concept.” These pilot programs help different agencies experiment with AI in low-risk ways.
This multifaceted approach will enable the responsible, long-term use of AI and machine learning technologies across the State and cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and learning. An educated workforce will be a cornerstone of the State’s approach to GenAI use, allowing the State to identify opportunities and risks more quickly.
The State of Maryland's educational AI resources are made possible through its partnership with InnovateUS. InnovateUS provides no-cost, at-your-own-pace learning in digital, data, innovation, and AI skills for public professionals. Their mission is to improve lives by enabling public professionals to deliver more effective and equitable policies and services.
"We're thrilled to partner with the Maryland Department of Information Technology in this important initiative. Our goal is to empower Maryland public professionals with the skills they need to tackle today's complex challenges and build a more responsive, efficient government," says Beth Simone Noveck, Founder of InnovateUS.
The State of Maryland’s AI courses:
https://innovate-us.org/partner/marylanddoit
InnovateUS: https://innovate-us.org/