SIUE and The Wedge Launch Summer AI Learnathon Series to Expand Workforce Upskilling in the Metro East

SIUE and The Wedge Launch Summer AI Learnathon Series to Expand Workforce Upskilling in the Metro East

New partnership invites local employers, employees, entrepreneurs, and community members to build practical AI skills through Grow with Google

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in partnership with The Wedge, will launch a new Summer AI Learnathon Series this June to help local employers, employees, entrepreneurs, students, and community members build practical artificial intelligence skills in a supportive, community-centered setting. The series is designed to strengthen workforce readiness, expand access to AI learning, and create new opportunities for regional employer engagement.

Hosted at The Wedge Innovation Center in Alton, the series will begin with an inaugural kickoff event on Friday, June 5, 2026, followed by recurring Friday work-and-start sessions throughout the summer, and a Completers Celebration and Graduation on Friday, Aug. 28.

Register to participate on Eventbrite.

Through SIUE + Grow with Google, participants will have the opportunity to begin the Google AI Professional Certificate, receive guidance as they get started and continue building momentum through weekly drop-in support sessions. The program is intended to offer an approachable entry point for individuals who want to build AI literacy and for employers seeking meaningful, low-lift professional development opportunities for their teams.

"This series is about making AI upskilling practical, accessible, and local," said Tyann Cherry, Interim Director of Online Services and Educational Outreach. "We want employers and community members to see that they do not need to be experts to get started. They just need an opportunity, a welcoming place to begin, and support along the way."

The Learnathon model combines one larger kickoff event with lighter-touch Friday sessions that encourage participants to return, continue their progress, ask questions, and connect with others in the space. The series is designed to create shared value by driving traffic to The Wedge, expanding access to Grow with Google offerings, and strengthening SIUE's relationships with local employers, business owners, and community partners.

The June 5 kickoff event will include coffee and networking, welcome remarks from SIUE and The Wedge, an employer spotlight on the importance of AI upskilling, a Grow with Google overview, onboarding support and guided work time for participants to begin the certificate. Weekly follow-up sessions will offer a more casual "coffee, cowork, and get started" format for both new and returning learners.

For employers, the series offers a timely opportunity to support employee growth in an area that is rapidly reshaping industries and job roles. "At The Wedge, we're always asking how we can turn big ideas into practical opportunities for the community who learns, lives and works here. This Summer AI Learnathon Series does exactly that. It gives students, residents, businesses, and employers an easy way to invest in themselves and their teams, opens the door for anyone who want to get started with AI, and uses Fridays as a standing invitation to keep growing real-world, career-ready skills." said Scot Heathman, CEO of The Wedge.

Employers interested in sending employees, as well as community members interested in participating, are encouraged to learn more and register.

About The Wedge
The Wedge is a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, coworking, and community connection in Alton, Illinois. Powered by SIUE, The Wedge brings people together to build ideas, strengthen skills, and create momentum for the future.

PHOTO: The Wedge