- Free 3 Course Series
- September 8th - March 9th 2026
- Register Now
Gen AI Application
Development Program
Interested in learning how to use Gen AI to develop applications and tools?
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Program Starts
September 8th, 2025
About the Program
Learn to Build the Future with Generative AI
The Generative AI Application Development Program is a free, not-for-credit training series designed to give California residents the tools, skills, and confidence to create real AI applications. Whether you’re just curious about AI or looking to boost your career, this program makes it possible — no coding background required.
- Hands-on AI Training
- Career-Ready Microcredential
- Essential Skills for Today’s Job Market
- Expert Faculty & Support
- Flexible & Accessible
Program Sign Up
To enroll in this AI learning program, students are asked to attend one of our mandatory info sessions before the program begins. Choose the session time that works best for you below—we look forward to seeing you there!
The Curriculum
This program opens doors for Californians to build career-ready AI skills without prior experience.
AI Foundations &
Prompt Engineering
Sept 8 – Nov 28, 2025
Learn the core concepts of AI and GenAI.
Practice designing and refining effective prompts.
Explore ethical, bias, and privacy considerations.
Start integrating AI solutions into real-world applications.
Software & Cloud
Computing Fundamentals
Sept 29 – Dec 26, 2025
Understand the full application development lifecycle.
Apply design and UI principles.
Learn how platforms like AWS support scalable apps.
Connect AI agents and LLMs for seamless integration
Generative
AI Capstone
Jan 19 – Mar 9, 2026
Define and scope a real-world business problem.
Document your technical + design process clearly.
Deliver a final presentation that demonstrates your solution’s value and impact.
Gain experience collaborating in a team environment, mirroring real-world project workflows.
Meet Our Instructors
Alan Foote
Saddleback College
Dr. Alan Foote brings over three decades of experience teaching Information Systems—including cybersecurity, networking, programming, and advanced Python—in Baltimore before relocating to Southern California in 2018 to join Saddleback College. Known for his engaging, approachable teaching style, he combines practical feedback with strong support to help students succeed as they learn new computer applications. His commitment to student learning ensures that even complex topics feel accessible and rewarding.
Justin Hoffman
Berkeley City College
Justin Hoffman is an enthusiastic instructor in the Multimedia and UX design field at Berkeley City College, part of the Peralta Community College District. Students appreciate his interactive lectures, approachable manner, and the way he makes technical topics accessible and fun to learn. He brings a creative, industry-relevant perspective that helps learners see how design and technology skills translate into real-world opportunities.
Hyla Lacefield
Cañada College
Hyla began her career in the video game industry before running a successful multinational small business for over 20 years. She later transitioned into higher education, first teaching digital art and animation before serving as Dean. Now back in the classroom, Hyla is excited to focus once again on teaching and working directly with students. Widely respected for her creativity and leadership, she brings a rare combination of real-world expertise and genuine passion that inspires her students to excel.
Tafadzwa Joseph Dube
Cuesta College
Dr. Tafadzwa Joseph Dube is a Human- Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher-educator who recently joined Cuesta College’s Computer Science department after work with UC Merced’s Inclusive Interaction Lab. His teaching and research focus on making digital interactions more usable and inclusive through projects in augmented/virtual reality, smart cities, and civic engagement. He is dedicated to fostering student innovation while building inclusive pathways into technology fields.
Pragati Dharmale
San Jose City College
Pragati Dharmale teaches Computer Science at San Jose City College and holds degrees from Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University and Southern New Hampshire University. She is known for her clear, supportive teaching style that helps students build confidence and stay engaged in the classroom. Pragati’s approach blends technical rigor with encouragement, helping students achieve success in computer science and related fields.
Kristian Secor
San Diego Mesa College
Dr. Kristian “Kris” Secor is an experienced developer and educator at San Diego Mesa College, where he teaches Web Development and serves as an Online Accessibility Mentor. With over 20 years of experience—including work at Stanford, UCSD, Art Institutes, and Coleman University—he specializes in simplifying complex topics and ensuring inclusive, accessible learning environments. Kris is passionate about leveraging technology to empower students and expand digital opportunities for all learners.
FAQ
Don't see the answer you are looking for? Please contact us.
No prior AI or coding experience is required. This program is designed for beginners as well as those with some technical background. We’ll start with foundational concepts of AI and prompt engineering, then build up to software and cloud fundamentals before moving into the capstone project. All you need is curiosity, a willingness to learn, and access to a computer with internet.
No — this is a not-for-credit pilot program, which means it does not count toward a degree or transcript. It is free to participate and is designed for learning, skill-building, and hands-on experience.
The program is ideal for adult learners, career switchers, and students looking to upskill. You’ll be successful if you have an interest in AI problem-solving, basic familiarity with tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, and a willingness to learn new technologies.
Students should dedicate about 10–12 hours per week, which includes live virtual sessions, project work, and independent assignments.
AI Foundations & Prompt Engineering: Core AI concepts, prompt design, ethics, and building AI-powered solutions.
Software & Cloud Fundamentals: Application lifecycle, UI design, cloud platforms like AWS, and AI integration.
Generative AI Capstone: A final real-world project, with documentation and presentation to showcase your AI solution
Courses are mostly asynchronous with weekly live sessions held online (likely afternoons or evenings). Students are expected to complete assignments between sessions and come prepared with questions for faculty.
With the updated schedule, courses begin on September 8, 2025 and conclude with the Capstone course in March 2026.