"AI is the most powerful technology humanity has ever created and it’s being deployed faster than any other tech in history."
Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology
from ON with Kara Swisher June 2, 2023
aiVermont was founded in November 2023 as a nonprofit focused on AI literacy. Its mission is to help Vermonters make informed, effective, and responsible decisions about using artificial intelligence technologies and to have a voice in its implementation.
Artificial Intelligence is Sending Shockwaves Through Schools, Businesses and Communities
In these transformative times, we need the knowledge to use AI effectively in work and lives and to empower our clients, patrons, students, and families to navigate these technologies safely and productively.
70% of teens say they have used at least one type of generative AI tool
Common Sense Media 2024 Report, The Dawn of the AI Era
97% of school leaders agree AI can positively impact education but only 35% say they have a generative AI initiative in place
Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) EdTech 2024 Report
58% of students do not feel that they have sufficient AI knowledge and skills, and 48% do not feel adequately prepared for an AI-enabled workplace
Digital Education Council Global AI Student Survey July 2024
Our Mission
aiVermont’s approach includes:
Promoting AI literacy in schools through students, their families, and communities
Helping businesses and nonprofits understand how AI can improve and transform their work
Connecting stakeholders to collaborate, share, critique, and vet strategies for using AI
Supporting the development of guidelines and policies at the organizational, state, and national level that promote applications of AI technologies informed by the experiences and leadership of practitioners and front line workers.
As a nonprofit, we are beholden only to the education of the stakeholders we serve.
Our Support Strategy
01
Annual Summits
Explore AI with our summer flagship programs, which offer networking and professional learning opportunities facilitated by renowned experts.
02
Regional Meetings and Trainings
Between our larger gatherings, we offer more targeted experiences to delve deeper into AI use, focusing on specific issues, skills, organizational roles, and stakeholder needs.
03
In-Person and Virtual Support
We offer experiences for teams and whole organizations customized to their particular needs. We also host a free online platform where individuals doing this work can be part of a virtual community, share and discuss their experiences and research, and help crowdsource the most effective uses of AI in our offices and classrooms.
About Us
The aiVermont team has been working at the forefront of organizational leadership and innovation for many years and through many venues. Its co-founders are Chris Thompson, Denise Sherkerjian, and Marc Natanagara, who serves as Executive Director and Lead Facilitator. Grounded by over a decade of work with AI, pioneering STEAM programming through Burlington’s Generator makerspace, and forty years of award-winning pre-K to college teaching, administration, and professional development, aiVermont is also supported by a Board of Advisors with diverse skills, experiences, and roles, frequently addressing the interface between human needs and technology. Since our nonprofit’s inception in 2023, we have offered over two dozen successful AI events to nearly three thousand participants, and provided resources to support thousands more.
Advisory Board
Denise Shekerjian
Co-Founder aiVermont
Chris Thompson
Co-Founder aiVermont
Josiah Raiche
Director of AI
State of Vermont
Michael Metz
Board Trustee
Champlain College and
Vermont Academy of Science & Engineering
Veronica Newton
Senior Director Programs & Partnerships Generator
Formerly, Program Manager
Vermont Agency of Education
Dan Harvey
Director of Operations
University of Vermont
Office of the VP of Research
Katharine Shepherd
Dean of the College of Education & Social Services University of Vermont
Ron Yara
Formerly, General Partner
Tallwood Venture Capital, Sonic Blue, Intel
Laurie Quinn
President , The Stern Center for Language and Learning
Formerly, President of
Champlain College
Michelle LaFrancis
Work Based Learning Coordinator
Spaulding High School, Barre
Chris Danforth
UVM Complex Systems Institute
Director, Vermont Advanced Computing Center Professor, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Our Sponsors
The Ruth & Peter Metz Family Foundation • David and L.J. Stiller • Maggie Eaton & Ron Yara