Amazon joined OpenAI, Anthropic and other firms to launch RAISE US, a nonprofit securing $500 million in commitments toward a $1 billion fund to prepare American workers for AI disruption. Gina Raimondo will serve as CEO, and programs will start in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland and Utah with AI-based apprenticeships.
RAISE US launched with more than $500 million in pledges, aiming for a $1 billion fund to prepare American workers for the AI economy. Amazon is named an anchor partner alongside OpenAI, Anthropic and Microsoft in providing strategic support and funding.
Former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will lead RAISE US as CEO, with former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb serving as co-chair. The leadership team will oversee policy reform initiatives, an employer coalition and a policy lab insulated from corporate influence.
Initial collaborations span Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland and Utah, featuring AI-powered training tools like Arkansas LAUNCH, apprenticeship programs sponsored by Bank of America and wage insurance models to retain displaced workers. Amazon will contribute to co-designing training pathways and deploying AI-enabled learning platforms.

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