OpenAI Launches Free Academy to Expand Access to AI Literacy

OpenAI has opened the next phase of its Academy with a free, public online platform designed to improve AI literacy and empower learners from all backgrounds.

This new hub offers workshops, video tutorials, discussion forums, and downloadable resources for anyone seeking to use artificial intelligence more confidently and responsibly. While the Academy initially focused on developers and technical users through in-person programs, it now aims to serve a broader community—including educators, students, job-seekers, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners.

What the Academy Offers

The Academy’s goal is to ensure more people can understand and harness the power of AI in their personal, academic, and professional lives.

Key features include:

• Free, self-paced learning materials for all levels—from AI fundamentals to advanced integration

• Live and recorded events, including workshops and expert discussions

• Community groups organized by interest or location

• Hands-on learning through partner-led programming and real-world applications

• Partnering for Scale and Impact

The expanded platform features educational content co-developed with organizations like Common Sense Media and includes upcoming partnerships with:

• Higher education: Georgia Tech, Miami Dade College

• Workforce orgs: CareerVillage, Goodwill, Talent Ready Utah

• Nonprofits: OATS from AARP, Fund for the City of New York

Pedro Santos Acosta of Miami Dade College highlighted the Academy’s potential:

“Our partnership with OpenAI Academy Online and GPTechday is about turning curiosity into capability, giving people the confidence and skills to shape their own future and empower more AI learners across Miami and beyond.”

One standout initiative is a pilot program with Goodwill Keystone in Pennsylvania, training employment specialists to use ChatGPT for resume feedback, mock interviews, and job coaching. According to CEO Edward Lada, Jr.:

“We believe AI literacy is the next evolution of workforce development and a powerful equalizer for people facing barriers to employment. Through this partnership with OpenAI, we’re not just introducing new tools—we’re opening doors.”

A Few Upcoming Events

• Apr 3, 4:00–5:00 PM PDT – AI for Older Adults An introduction to AI and ChatGPT, presented by Senior Planet from AARP

• Apr 9, 10:00–11:30 AM PDT – Getting Started with AI for Nonprofits Key concepts, demos, and practical frameworks, plus a live Q&A with OpenAI experts

• May 6, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, May 6 PDT - Streamline Business & Developer Workflows Learn how to automate business and developer tasks using no-code platforms like Make.com and Custom GPTs—no coding required, Presented by GPTechday, in partnership with Miami Dade College.

On-Demand Video Library

A few of the available sessions include:

• Intro to AI for K-12 Educators – From Common Sense and OpenAI

• ChatGPT 101 & 102 – Using AI as a super assistant and work enhancer

• Mastering Prompts: The Key to Getting What You Need from ChatGPT

• AI Career Prep – Interview tips and resume writing

• Collaborating with AI – Streamlined group work and automation

More content is continually added to help learners build confidence with AI tools.

What’s Next for OpenAI Academy

The demand for accessible AI education is growing across industries and communities worldwide. In response, OpenAI plans to expand its Academy offerings with new community-focused features, multilingual content, and global partnerships—including upcoming collaborations in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

The platform will also deepen its policy work, continuing to partner with governments to promote AI literacy, expand educational access, and support workforce development. These efforts aim to ensure more students, educators, and workers are equipped to succeed in an AI-driven world—fostering more inclusive opportunities and stronger local communities.

What This Means for Learners and Organizations

As AI tools become more prevalent, OpenAI Academy is working to ensure access doesn’t remain limited to tech insiders. By combining free content, peer collaboration, and institutional partnerships, the Academy offers an inclusive entry point for individuals and communities navigating an AI-powered world.

OpenAI’s broadened approach reflects a larger shift in how AI is being adopted—not just by developers, but by individuals and teams across every sector.

• For casual users: The Academy makes it easier to build AI confidence through simple, guided learning and real-life use cases, no technical background required.

• For educators and students: Free, structured materials and on-demand content support classroom use and self-directed learning.

• For developers: The platform continues to offer hands-on, practical tutorials for building and integrating AI solutions, now with added community and collaboration features.

• For businesses and nonprofits: Custom GPTs, workflow automation, and training content offer practical value for boosting productivity and scaling operations.

By lowering barriers and expanding access, OpenAI Academy is helping to democratize AI education—equipping more people to understand, engage with, and benefit from the tools shaping our future.

To explore available resources or join the Academy, visit academy.openai.com.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.