Long Beach Launches Free AI Education Workshops
In an effort to bridge the digital divide and enhance community knowledge, the City of Long Beach is launching a series of free public workshops this October. These educational sessions aim to provide residents with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), digital literacy, and online safety.
Organized by the City’s Department of Technology and Innovation (TID), the initiative coincides with Digital Inclusion Week, a nationwide celebration of efforts to ensure equitable access to digital tools and resources. The workshops are tailored to help attendees explore AI concepts while learning how to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.
Interactive Learning Opportunities
Each 90-minute workshop will provide hands-on experiences through live demonstrations and guided activities. Participants will gain insights into the growing field of generative AI, including how it works and its implications in everyday life. In addition, the sessions will focus on practical cybersecurity practices, such as safeguarding personal information and recognizing online threats.
“We recognize the importance of digital literacy and want to empower our community with the skills to safely and effectively engage with emerging technologies,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Technology and Innovation. “These workshops are an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn in a supportive environment.”
Workshop Schedule and Locations
The workshops are scheduled at various community centers throughout Long Beach to maximize accessibility for residents across the city. Each session will deliver the same curriculum, allowing participants to attend at the location and time most convenient for them:
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:00–7:30 p.m. – Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave.
- Monday, Oct. 13, 6:00–7:30 p.m. – El Dorado Park West Community Center, 2800 N. Studebaker Road
- Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6:00–7:30 p.m. – Silverado Park Community Center, 1545 W. 31st St.
- Monday, Oct. 20, 12:00–1:30 p.m. – Long Beach Senior Center, 1150 E. Fourth St.
- Wednesday, Oct. 22, 3:00–4:30 p.m. – Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway
To ensure a comfortable learning environment, light refreshments will be served at each location.
Registration and Accessibility
Residents interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance by visiting lbcity.info/aiprivacy. While walk-ins are welcome, pre-registration helps organizers plan for materials and refreshments.
To accommodate Long Beach’s diverse population, interpretation services will be available in Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog upon request. This ensures that language is not a barrier for participation and that the workshops remain inclusive for all community members.
Empowering the Community
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and become more integrated into daily life, Long Beach officials believe that public education is crucial to fostering informed and responsible technology use. By offering these workshops, the city aims to demystify AI and encourage residents to adopt safe practices while navigating digital platforms.
The initiative is part of the city’s broader commitment to digital inclusion, which encompasses access to the internet, digital devices, and the skills necessary to use them effectively. Through community engagement and educational outreach, Long Beach hopes to narrow the digital divide and prepare its residents for the future of technology.
Why It Matters
Understanding AI and cybersecurity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As more aspects of life move online, from banking and healthcare to education and social interaction, the need for digital competence grows. These workshops are designed to meet that need, ensuring that residents of all ages and backgrounds can safely participate in today’s digital society.
Whether you’re a senior looking to better understand your smartphone or a young adult curious about AI chatbots, these community sessions offer something for everyone. By investing in digital education, Long Beach is not only preparing its residents for the future but also strengthening community resilience in an increasingly digital world.
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