Ensuring post-secondary students are ready for Canada's AI future
In 2025, Amii launched a national initiative, supported by Google.org, to equip more than 125,000 Canadian students annually with foundational AI skills.
Now integrated into the federally supported AI for All: Essentials for Students program, the initiative brings together Google.org's foundational support and long-term Government of Canada funding to build a sustainable, Canadian-led AI literacy network through 2031.
Public Canadian post-secondary institutions are invited to join a national consortium, gaining fully funded access to teaching resources, curriculum packages, and collaboration opportunities to help prepare students for success in an AI-driven economy.
Participating Post-Secondary Institutions Receive
AI for All: Essentials for Students
A 3-hour AI literacy Module designed for post-secondary students, offering an accessible introduction to Artificial Intelligence, regardless of prior technical background. Made available via SCORM package.
Curriculum Resource Packages
AI content designed to integrate into existing courses across disciplines (e.g. AI in Nursing, AI in IT, etc.).
Exclusive Research
Gain access to evidence-based research on the future of work, funded by the program.
A National Network
Connect and collaborate with a diverse community of PSIs (universities, colleges, polytechnics) from across Canada.
Access to world-leading AI scientists
Opportunity to partner directly with Amii's world-leading AI scientists to co-develop curriculum.
And now, through AI for All: Essentials for Students…
Massive National Scale
Expands coverage from the initial 125 000 annual target to over 1 million post-secondary students across Canada.
Fully Bilingual Access
Translates English-only legacy assets into fully localized French and English resources for all public colleges, polytechnics, and universities.
Flexible Learning Pathways
Students can complete Essentials for Students directly online or through their institution's LMS.
Long-Term Stability
Federal funding secures the initiative through 2031, ensuring continuous support as AIWR transitions through 2028.
Preserved AIWR Funding
Member campuses registered before September 2026 keep all legacy AIWR benefits, including Upper Bound travel bursaries (funded through 2027).
Access to world-leading AI scientists
Opportunity to partner directly with Amii's world-leading AI scientists to co-develop curriculum.
Program Alignment & Evolution
Two Programs, One Shared Mission: Scaling AI Literacy Across Canada
The AI Workforce Readiness (AIWR) program is now embedded within the federally supported AI for All: Essentials for Students program.
This strategic integration combines Google.org's foundational support with long-term Government of Canada funding to create a sustainable, sovereign AI literacy network for Canadian higher education through 2031.
AI Workforce Readiness
Funding & Horizon: Google.org Grant (2024-2028)
Reach & Scale: 25 Post-Secondary Institutions (125,000 Students Annually)
Language Support: English
Student Delivery: Post-Secondary Institutions Access Only
Resources: Module 0 (20 Curriculum Resource Packages)
AI for All: Essentials for Students (Formerly Module 0)
Funding & Horizon: Government of Canada (2026-2031)
Reach & Scale: Universal Public Post-Secondary Institution Access
Language Support: English & French
Student Delivery: Direct to Students (Post-Secondary Institutions)
Resources: Essentials for Students (Expanded Inventory of Curriculum Resource Packages)
Amii’s goal has always been to make AI education accessible, and the AI Workforce Readiness program is the culmination of that commitment. This foundational work ensures that post-secondary students are equipped for the future.
Cam Linke
Amii CEO
Who we work with
Members
Eligibility and How to Apply
Eligibility
The program is open to all public Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities, colleges, polytechnics, and specialty schools. Academic staff—tenured, sessional, or instructional—are eligible to participate.
Program Delivery, Leadership & Funding
Program Delivery
AI Workforce Readiness is powered by Amii, a national leader in AI literacy.
Amii is one of Canada’s three national AI institutes, advancing the country’s leadership in artificial intelligence through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.
For over 20 years, we’ve been a hub for leading-edge research and real-world AI applications, driving AI literacy and innovation in Canada and beyond.
With deep expertise in education, research, and commercialization, Amii is uniquely positioned to scale AI literacy across Canada’s post-secondary system.
Program Funding
The AI Workforce Readiness Program is fully funded by a $5 million grant from Google.org. Participation is free for accepted post-secondary institutions. Funding covers curriculum development, consortium management, research activities, and travel support for participation in the annual Upper Bound AI conference powered by Amii.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Questions? Contact Us
If you have any further questions about the AI Workforce Readiness program, please feel free to reach out to our team at aiworkforce@amii.ca.