FAQs

The AI Hub is Rhode Island's statewide coordinating body for artificial intelligence, created to carry out the recommendations of the Governor's AI Task Force. We're part of the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College. Our mission is to expand equitable access to training and resources so Rhode Islanders — from K-12 students to today's workforce — can understand what AI means for them, protect against its risks, and use it responsibly for the good of our state.

We do three things: we provide the public with free resources on AI; we connect Rhode Island's current and future workforce — from K-12 classrooms to working professionals — with training on responsible AI; and we convene partners across the state to shape shared statewide strategies on AI.

Our work is organized around six tracks, each serving a different part of Rhode Island: K-12 Education, for students, teachers, and school leaders; Postsecondary & Workforce, for colleges and workforce training providers; Business, for employers and small business owners; Nonprofit, for mission-driven organizations; Government, for state and municipal agencies; and AI & Society, for community members, advocates, and civic leaders thinking about AI's broader impact.

Some of it. Google AI and career certificate licenses are provided at no cost to select Rhode Islanders, subject to a limited number of licenses and eligibility criteria. Free, self-paced resources from other providers are listed on our Free Resources page.

Not directly — the Hub doesn't operate computing resources of its own. But it's a common question, and there are real options depending on what you're trying to do: Rhode Island's universities have research computing available for academic projects, the major cloud providers run credit programs for startups and nonprofits, and for most everyday uses commercial AI tools are more than enough. Tell us what you're trying to build and we'll point you to the right option, or to the partner who can help.

There are a lot of ways: sign up for our newsletter or learn more about the 2027 AI Summit — including attending, speaking, sponsoring, or tabling as a vendor. You can also help with our upcoming State of AI in RI report, help deliver or receive one of our programs, become a funding partner, or join one of our boards or committees. And if you're an employer, we especially want to hear how AI is changing the skills you're hiring for.

The AI Hub is housed within the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College. The Institute also houses the Cyber Hub, and the two work closely together on shared workforce and community programs.