AI Pioneer Training Program

Course code:	26-AM-003
Dates:	June 24 - September 9, 2026 Alternate Course Dates
Meets:	W from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 7 sessions
Hours:	39.00
Location:	VCU Academic Learning Commons 4100
Instructor:	Instructor Information
Fee:	$3,500.00

Description

Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations think, work, solve problems, and make decisions. This seven-day professional development program is designed to help participants move beyond curiosity or experimentation and toward confident, responsible, and practical AI use. Developed with input from Luck Companies, this program is designed around workplace-relevant topics, applied learning, and practical outcomes.

Participants will explore core concepts in traditional AI, generative AI, and agentic AI; learn how to evaluate tools and workflows; and practice translating workplace challenges into realistic AI-enabled use cases. Through in-person workshops, VCU faculty facilitation, online reflection, and a structured capstone project, participants will leave with both a stronger understanding of AI and a practical prototype or implementation concept they can bring back to their organization.

Throughout the program, participants will work on a capstone project that identifies a real workflow challenge, applies AI tools to that challenge, considers ethics and feasibility, and is presented during the final session.

Who Should Attend
This program is ideal for professionals, managers, team leads, project leaders, innovation champions, and workplace problem-solvers who want to better understand how AI can be applied responsibly and effectively in organizational settings.

No advanced technical background is required. The program is designed for professionals who want practical fluency, better judgment, and hands-on experience with AI-enabled workflows.

Program Outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

Understand the core concepts and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Distinguish between traditional AI, generative AI, and agentic AI.
Evaluate AI tools and use cases to inform implementation decisions.
Translate real business problems into practical AI use cases.
Prototype, test, and present AI-enabled workflows.
Champion responsible, confident AI adoption among peers.

AI Pioneer Training Program Agenda.

Notes

Registration Deadline: Registrations will be accepted through June 23, 2026

Parking and Meals: Registration fee includes parking, lunch, and refreshments for each session.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: You may cancel your registration up until 7 days prior to the course start date (or specific date inserted), and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this program is canceled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.

Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.comand include but are not limited to the following:
Interim Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim

For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/resources/policies/

There are still openings remaining at this time.