RAISE US, a bipartisan nonprofit founded by former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, launched in June 2026 with $1 billion to train American workers for AI‑driven careers.
A bipartisan nonprofit coalition announced in June 2026 aims to reskill American workers for roles emerging from artificial‑intelligence automation.Amazon joined the effort as a founding member, and the initiative earmarks $1 billion for training programs nationwide.
The coalition, named RAISE US (Reskilling Americans in an Intelligent, Sustainable Economy), was unveiled in June 2026 to address projected workforce displacement caused by AI technologies [1]. The announcement was made in Washington, D.C., and the coalition’s activities will span the United States, involving corporate partners, policymakers, and educational institutions [1].
RAISE US was founded by former U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who described the effort as a “bipartisan nonprofit” designed to coordinate large‑scale skill development [2]. Amazon declared its participation as a founding member, committing resources to help build an AI‑era workforce and to extend its community outreach programs [3]. Additional corporate members and education providers were referenced but not individually named in the initial release [1].
Coalition Structure and Funding
RAISE US operates as a nonprofit organization with a governing board that includes representatives from industry, government, and academia [1]. The coalition’s initial capital pool totals $1 billion, sourced from corporate contributions and philanthropic grants, with Amazon contributing a portion of that amount as part of its founding membership [3]. The funding is allocated to develop curricula, subsidize tuition for displaced workers, and support regional training hubs across the country [1].
The coalition’s governance model requires quarterly reporting to a steering committee composed of senior executives from member companies, federal agency liaisons, and education leaders [2]. This structure is intended to ensure alignment of training outcomes with employer demand and to monitor progress against national reskilling targets [1].
Curriculum development will focus on AI‑related competencies such as machine‑learning model deployment, data analytics, and AI‑enhanced cybersecurity [1].
Program Implementation and Training Initiatives
Coalition RAISE US Launches to Train Millions for AI‑Driven Job Shifts
RAISE US plans to launch a suite of training programs that combine online coursework, in‑person bootcamps, and apprenticeship placements [2]. Curriculum development will focus on AI‑related competencies such as machine‑learning model deployment, data analytics, and AI‑enhanced cybersecurity [1]. Partner universities and community colleges will receive grants to expand capacity and to certify learners in industry‑recognized credentials [3].
The coalition targets workers in sectors identified as high risk for automation, including manufacturing, logistics, and retail [4]. Enrollment eligibility will prioritize individuals who have experienced recent job loss or who are in roles projected to be automated within the next five years [2]. Participants will receive tuition assistance, stipends for living expenses, and guaranteed interview pipelines with member companies [1][3].
The United States announced a 50 % tariff on $20 billion of Canadian imports, targeting cars, alcohol, and dairy, effective 30 days after July 20, 2026.
Impact on Students, Workers, and Educational Institutions
The immediate effect of the coalition is the creation of up to 500,000 training slots in the first year, with the goal of scaling to several million within five years [2]. For displaced workers, the program offers a direct pathway to acquire skills aligned with emerging AI job categories, reducing the risk of prolonged unemployment [1].
Educational institutions receiving RAISE US grants will expand program offerings, hire additional faculty, and upgrade technical infrastructure to support AI‑focused instruction [3]. Community colleges, in particular, are positioned to become primary delivery sites for short‑term certifications, thereby increasing access for learners in underserved regions [1].
Employers participating in the coalition gain a pipeline of candidates trained on the specific tools and processes used within their operations, potentially shortening onboarding cycles and improving productivity [3]. The coordinated approach also allows policymakers to track reskilling outcomes against labor market data, informing future workforce development legislation [2].
Key Facts
The coordinated approach also allows policymakers to track reskilling outcomes against labor market data, informing future workforce development legislation [2].
What: RAISE US coalition launched to reskill millions of Americans for AI‑driven jobs.
When: June 2026 announcement; rollout begins later in 2026.
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