IOWA AI RESOURCES

Learn. Connect.
Explore AI in Iowa.

Practical places to learn, teach, and use AI. Explore Iowa programs and support, plus trusted guidance for using AI responsibly.

Resources reviewed September 10, 2026; selected updates September 16, 2026.

Classes & everyday skills

Kirkwood Community College

Beginner and intermediate AI classes for everyday tasks, workplace tools, and small business marketing.

Open to the public · Check locations, dates, and fees.

Browse Kirkwood classes

DMACC Continuing Education

Explore online AI and ChatGPT courses, individual skill-building classes, and certificate options for work.

Paid courses · Registration required; check fees, dates, and prerequisites.

Explore DMACC AI courses

Business & workplace

CIRAS at Iowa State

How CIRAS and university partners are coordinating AI literacy, fluency, and training for Iowa businesses.

Background reading · July 2026 report on training efforts.

Read the training overview

Iowa SBDC

Confidential business counseling for Iowa entrepreneurs and small business owners, with recorded webinars and other business resources.

No-cost counseling · General business support for Iowa entrepreneurs.

Explore SBDC business support

AI for educators

Iowa State University

Critical AI in Education Pathways

Build AI literacy for teaching, assessment, and responsible classroom practice. Designed for educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders; no technical background is required.

Online, self-paced · About 20–25 hours · Paid registration.

The registration page lists $400. Successful participants may request a certificate for one Iowa licensure renewal credit.

Explore the educator course Check fee & registration

Professional connections

Technology Association of Iowa

TAI’s AI Roundtable connects members who build, apply, support, and teach AI. Discussions cover business uses, technical questions, and lessons learned.

TAI members · Quarterly, hybrid format.

The linked page is a past event listing describing the recurring program. Check TAI for current dates and participation details.

Explore the AI Roundtable

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

AI Basics for Community Leaders

A September 29, 2026 workshop in Atlantic introduces AI uses, risks and opportunities for community leaders. The organizer lists 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.

Scheduled workshop · Check registration, fees and availability with the organizer.

View workshop details

Technology Association of Iowa

Iowa Digital Infrastructure Summit

TAI’s September 29, 2026 event in Des Moines covers the infrastructure behind digital growth, including workforce and electricity needs.

Scheduled event · See the organizer’s agenda and registration terms.

View the summit agenda

Iowa League of Cities

AI and data-center decisions for local leaders

On September 24, 2026, the conference schedule lists sessions on data-center development at 10:45 a.m., AI use in local government at 2 p.m., and moving from AI prompts to policy at 3:30 p.m.

Conference sessions · Check the organizer’s current schedule and attendance requirements.

View the conference schedule

Use AI responsibly.

National guidance for Iowa households, businesses, and organizations.

Federal Trade Commission

Recognize AI impersonation scams

Learn how scammers imitate a family member’s voice and how to verify an apparent emergency before responding.

Free public guide · Everyday readers and families.

Read the FTC guidance

NIST AI Risk Management Playbook

Evaluate AI risks in an organization

Suggested actions for governing, assessing, and managing AI risks. Use the relevant parts of this more detailed reference for your organization.

Free public reference · Advanced guidance for organizations.

NIST is revising the framework and plans to update the Playbook afterward.

Explore the NIST Playbook

IOWA RESEARCH

AI in agriculture.

University research & programs

AI Institute for Resilient Agriculture

Explore Iowa State research on crop resilience and agricultural AI education. AIIRA studies “digital twins”: computer models of plants and fields that help researchers understand crop growth.

Ames · Public research overview.

Explore AIIRA’s research