Mass to Provide Free AI Training to Residents

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — At Google's office in Cambridge, Governor Maura Healey announced a new statewide partnership with Grow with Google to offer all Massachusetts residents access to artificial intelligence and career certificate training programs at no cost through the Grow with Google program. 
 
This includes the new Google AI Professional Certificate, a program designed to help learners master the AI skills most in-demand by today's employers, and the Google Career Certificates program. This initiative is designed to help provide every resident and small business with the AI and tech skills they need to succeed in today's digital economy at no cost. 
 
The Google AI training programs will be led by the Massachusetts AI Hub (MA AI Hub), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). 
 
"This partnership creates an opportunity for us to support our workers, students and small business owners across Massachusetts, making sure they have the tools they need to compete and succeed in this rapidly evolving economy," said Governor Maura Healey. "Under the management of the MA AI Hub and with the partnership of Google, this resource will strengthen our workforce, our companies and ensure that Massachusetts remains the global leader in AI-led innovation and breakthroughs." 
 
Since launching in 2017, over one million people have completed Google's Career Certificate program globally. Over 70 percent of graduates report a positive career impact such as a promotion, new job, or raise, within six months of program completion. To date, Google has trained over 250,000 Bay Staters in digital skills in collaboration with over 150 local organizations including public libraries, chambers of commerce, and community colleges.                 
 
"Massachusetts is a global leader in technology and learning, and Google is proud to have been part of its community for over twenty years," said Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow with Google. "By partnering with Governor Healey and the Massachusetts AI Hub to provide training like the Google AI Professional Certificate at no cost, we're ensuring that every student, employee, and small business owner across the Commonwealth can thrive in the AI economy." 
 
In addition to Google's AI Professional Certificate, additional professional certificates are available in cybersecurity, digital marketing and e-commerce, IT support, project management, and user experience design through the   Google Career Certificates program  .Those interested in securing a certificate can find more information on the  MA AI Hub website .    
 
Most recently, the MA AI Hub partnered with Holyoke-based Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) to announce Cambridge Computer, in partnership with Dell Technologies, NVIDIA and VAST to create the Artificial Intelligence Compute Resources (AICR) environment at MGHPCC. Serving as the backbone of the MA AI Hub, AICR supports startups, businesses, researchers and educators with access to sustainable, high-performance compute resources required for AI innovation. 
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Weekend Outlook: Barn Birthday, Musical Nights

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this week including musical nights, turtles, and more.

Editor's Pick

Round Stone Barn Birthday
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: Sunday, 10 to 5

Free community day to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the village's iconic Round Stone Barn. Live music, special performances, food trucks, ice cream, discovery tours, and other kid-friendly activities. Cupcakes served at 2; first come, first served. 
 
More information here.https://tinyl.co/4lgy

Meet the Turtles with Berkshire County Turtle Rescue
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

Meet live rescued turtles with wildlife rehabilitator Tracy Zustra, founder of Berkshire County Turtle Rescue, and learn more about turtles in Berkshire County and how to care for pet turtles.  Then make your own turtle crossing signs.

More information here.

Multiple Days

'The Legend of Georgia McBride'
Colonial Theater, Pittsfield
July 31 through Aug. 16

The musical comedy features drag performances with musical numbers from Elvis Presley and Bette Midler to Édith Piaf, Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton. 

More information and tickets here.

Friday 

Misty Blues 2026
Adams Theater
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Misty Blues is returning to Adams with their 18th album and celebrating their 25th year of performing  blues, vintage jazz, and deep-pocket funk.

More information and tickets here.

Beaver Detectives
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Learn and investigate the way beavers live and try and find them as you walk the sanctuary's trails.

Register in advance; tickets are $12 and $15. More information here.

Children's Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The library is hosting a number of programs including Dungeons and Dragons, take-home crafts, switch and play, and an escape game. 

More information here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Saturday

Fire on the Mountain Jam

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