AI-Focused Workforce Training in the Ninth Federal Reserve District
As businesses continue efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into their processes, workforce training programs across various U.S. states are rapidly expanding to prepare workers for the future.
Workforce training organizations and state officials in the Ninth Federal Reserve District are increasing training programs and grants to help workers gain competencies and prevent potential job losses as businesses adopt AI tools.
AI Usage Status Among Businesses
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, as of late July 2026, 22% of businesses in the country use artificial intelligence, representing a 4-percentage-point increase since the beginning of the year.
Across the Ninth District, the percentage of businesses using artificial intelligence varies from 14% in North Dakota to 22% in Montana.
Expansion of Training and Grant Programs
In South Dakota, 40 grant applications were reported received by the end of July 2026, mostly for basic AI literacy.
In Montana, grants are being used to fund AI training in rural hospitals and clinics to reduce burnout.
AI Integration in Higher Education
Minnesota State University Moorhead is integrating skills into courses through its Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute, which launched in the fall of 2025.
The training programs aim to adapt to existing tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude while providing general skills for future technological changes.