Tiffany Paovella wanted to move from hospitality into a more stable, tech-focused career. Through free Verizon skill-building courses, she gained digital skills in programming, data science and cybersecurity, earned six professional certifications and began putting her new knowledge — including AI skills — to work at her local library. After taking a part-time job at the Ossining Public Library in Ossining, New York, Paovella returned to school and supplemented her college coursework with free, self-paced Verizon training. The courses helped her build foundational computer science knowledge, learn multiple programming languages and develop cybersecurity skills. How Tiffany is using her tech and AI skills: Coding and AI: Paovella uses AI to help troubleshoot and better understand her coding. Cybersecurity: She applies her cybersecurity knowledge at the library and helps colleagues understand how to avoid scams and other online threats. Helping library patrons: She uses AI as a tool to help teens with homework and assist adult patrons with their questions. Preparing for a tech career: She has earned six professional certifications and is continuing her education while working toward a future career in tech. “With AI progressing as it is, it's essential that you have tech skills in almost every career,” Paovella says. “You’re going to have to have them in the future if you want to keep up.” Her experience reflects the kind of practical, accessible learning Verizon is expanding through Verizon AI Skills for America, which provides free AI training and resources designed to help workers build skills for an evolving job market. Ready to build your AI skills? Verizon AI Skills for America offers free access to AI training, certifications and resources designed to help workers prepare for the evolving AI economy: https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/human-prosperity/workforce-development/ai-skills An individual user's experience may vary and results are not guaranteed. #Verizon

 914      11