UNDERSTAND AI.
UNLOCK NEW POSSIBILITIES.
No jargon. No intimidation. No prior experience needed.
CivicAI Institute brings hands-on AI training to governments, nonprofits, higher education, and faith-based institutions. Designed for teams who've never used AI and don't know where to start.
Turn AI anxiety into AI confidence through workshops that offer:
Plain-language explanations anyone can follow
Gamified learning with prizes
Live demos
Real scenarios from your industry


After Our Trainings, Your Team Will Walk Away With...
1
A clear, jargon-free understanding of what AI actually is and isn’t, separating hype from reality
2
Hands-on experience using AI tools in real scenarios specific to your industry
3
A working knowledge of AI models, workflows, and agents, and how they are used in their industry
4
Confidence and motivation to use AI in their day-to-day work, saving the organization time and money
Trusted by organizations serving communities.
CivicAI Institute offers specialized AI learning experiences that are:
-
Hands-On & Interactive
Game-based learning, live demonstrations, and scenario-based exercises make AI real, memorable, and applicable. -
Tailored to Your Specific Public-Serving Institution
We specialize in organizations that shape communities: municipal governments, nonprofits, colleges, and faith-based institutions. -
Focused on True Impact
Participants leave not just understanding AI; they leave knowing exactly how to apply it to improve operations, communication, leadership, and service outcomes.
WHO WE SERVE
We partner with institutions dedicated
to strengthening communities:
- Community and municipal governments
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofits and mission-driven organizations
- Religious and faith-based institutions
- Business and entrepreneurship programs
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN EVERY
CIVICAI INSTITUTE EXPERIENCE
Comprehensive AI Training Programs
Live and on-demand workshops, learning labs, and micro-trainings focused on real use cases for governments, nonprofits, higher education, and faith-based sectors.
Action-Focused Learning Resources
Receive practical prompt libraries, checklists, implementation guides, and worksheets for immediate use.
Flexible Learning Formats
Virtual or in-person sessions, with optional access to recordings when available.
Continuously Updated Content
AI changes fast! Our trainings evolve with new tools, case studies, and best practices.
OUR IMPACT
TRAINING IS JUST THE BEGINNING...
Our experts don’t walk away after the workshop ends. CivicAI Institute provides ongoing advisory services tailored to your organization’s needs — helping you adopt AI responsibly, integrate it effectively, and apply it securely.
AI Training for Municipal
Governments & Public Sector Teams
- AI Literacy for Public Leaders
A foundational program for mayors, city managers, department heads, and public staff. Learn how AI works, where it applies in government, and how to adopt it responsibly.
- Department-Specific AI Workshops for City Staff
Tailored training for police, fire, planning & development, HR, finance, communications, IT, libraries, and administrative offices. Focus: workflow efficiency + public service improvement.
- AI Strategy & Readiness Consulting
Structured consulting services that evaluate readiness, build governance frameworks, and design pilot programs for responsible adoption in local government.
AI Training for Nonprofit Organizations
- AI for Fundraising, Grant Writing & Donor Communication
Enhance storytelling, proposal writing, and donor engagement using practical AI tools.
- AI for Nonprofit Operations & Program Management
Improve workflows, program delivery, and data management.
- AI for Nonprofit Marketing, Communications & Outreach
Strengthen communications, PR, and community engagement with transparent and ethical AI support.
AI Training for Faith-Based Organizations
- AI for Church Leadership & Ministry Innovation
Introduces pastors, ministry teams, and church leaders to responsible artificial intelligence tools for preaching support, teaching preparation, volunteer coordination, and pastoral administration.
- AI for Church Operations & Community Care
Improve communication, event coordination, and data stewardship while maintaining trust.
YOUR INSTITUTE DIRECTOR
Shannon Cormier, Ph.D.
A professor, scholar-practitioner and researcher with national engagement in AI education, leadership development, and organizational innovation. Her interdisciplinary background spans education, entrepreneurship, public sector leadership, and emerging technology.
Academic research focus: AI adoption, diffusion, and integration within entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Academic & Professional Credentials
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), The University of Texas at Austin
- Visiting Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, Texas Southern University
- Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship, Clark Atlanta University
- Faculty Fellow, Howard University x PNC Bank Researcher
- Faculty Fellow, HBCU Business Deans’ Entrepreneurship Education Initiative
- National presenter on AI, leadership, and organizational innovation
- Contributor to AI readiness and governance initiatives
Selected Certifications & Professional Training
WHAT OUR PARTNERS ARE SAYING
"CivicAI Institute came to our church and taught our entrepreneurs and ministry leaders about the different AI language models. It was so eye-opening! We were amazed at how much we learned in such a short time, and honestly couldn't wait to hear more. We're so grateful for this training and the practical knowledge it gave our team!"
— F. Moody, The ROCK Church, Austin, Texas
"As a university professor, I can tell you there aren't many people who truly understand AI at an academic level and can also break it down into practical, user-friendly language for faculty and staff. Dr. Cormier does both, and does them exceptionally well. Whether you're faculty, staff, or administration, anyone would benefit from this training. Dr. Cormier and CivicAI Institute are in a class by themselves."
— Dr. M. Crump, Associate Professor
"We brought CivicAI Institute in to train nearly 100 city employees across 20 departments, from Police, Fire, and EMS to Public Works, Engineering, and Parks and Recreation. The training was practical, easy to follow for non-technical staff, and genuinely fun. People walked out with their minds blown by what AI could do and how much more efficient it could make their work. After 3.5 hours, employee after employee came up to me saying, 'It should have been longer!'"
— Dedrick Johnson, Former Mayor, Texas City, TX
Frequently asked questions
Is this training appropriate for people who've never used AI before?
Yes, this training is actually designed for brand-new users. No prior knowledge or AI experience is necessary.
Will this work for non-technical staff?
Definitely. We specialize in communicating AI concepts to people who consider themselves “not technical at all.”
Do you offer follow-up support or additional sessions?
Of course. Many clients reach out after their introductory training for consulting on organizational readiness, AI implementation, and support with acquiring and integrating new technology.
Will this training be specific to our industry/department?
Yes. Our trainings are customized to your industry and department, and can be tailored further to a specific role if requested.
What's the cost, and are there options for different budgets/group sizes?
Cost depends on the topics requested, number of attendees, and length of training. Once we have these details, we’re happy to provide an estimate.
Where do you conduct the training — on-site, virtual, or both?
We prefer conducting trainings on-site with your team, but virtual sessions are also available.
How long are your sessions, and can they be customized?
Session length depends on your needs. We typically start at 3.5 hours and can run sessions as long as 7 hours per day.
Multi-day sessions for department-specific trainings are also available.
READY TO BRING CIVICAI INSTITUTE TO YOUR ORGANIZATION?
We’ll connect with you to learn about your goals, conduct a needs assessment, and develop a tailored proposal and scope of work.