Office of Professional DevelopmentGenerative AI for Real-World Use

The Generative AI Certificate Program is designed to equip local businesses and non-profit organizations with the knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently navigate and apply generative AI technologies. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants will gain foundational knowledge, explore real-world applications beyond traditional chatbot use, and customize their learning toward practical solutions in their specific fields, including non-profit operations, education, or workflow automation.

Target Audience

Nonprofit leaders & staff
Small business professionals
Educators and curriculum developers

No prior AI experience needed!

Course Benefits

Participants will develop a foundational understanding of generative AI and its applications, and build the ability to identify, evaluate, and implement generative AI solutions that align with their organizational needs and goals.

Continuing Education Credits

May be eligible for Act 48 Credits
May be eligible for PMI PDU’s

Learning Objectives

Participants will develop a foundational understanding of generative AI and its applications, and build the ability to identify, evaluate, and implement generative AI solutions that align with their organizational needs and goals.

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Explain the core principles and capabilities of generative AI.
• Differentiate between various generative AI tools and applications beyond text generation.
• Identify use cases for generative AI within their own organizational context.
• Apply basic generative AI tools to streamline communication, creative content production, and operational tasks.
• Participants will develop competencies in:
• Understanding generative AI models and their limitations
• Selecting and applying appropriate generative AI tools
• Ethical and responsible use of AI technologies
• Basic AI-driven content creation, summarization, and automation workflows

Format & Learning Methods

Hybrid Format (2 sessions in-person, 1 session virtual/online)

• Session 1 (In-person at Harrisburg University) | Friday, March 6, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (4 hours)
• Session 2 (Virtual/Online) | Friday, March 13, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (4 hours)
• Session 3 (In-person at Harrisburg University) | Friday, March 27, 2026
  • Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Showcase (3 hours)
  • Lunch will be served from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Showcase will take place from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The program will use a combination of instructor-led presentations, live tool demonstrations, case study discussions, and guided hands-on practice activities. Sessions will be highly interactive, encouraging questions, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

Assessment

Participants’ learning will be assessed through a combination of pre- and post-program knowledge assessments, reflective activities, and applied exercises. A short pre-exam will be administered before the first session to establish a baseline understanding of generative AI concepts. At the conclusion of the program, a post-exam will measure gains in knowledge and skills. Throughout the sessions, participants will also complete real-world application exercises, and the program will culminate with each participant developing a practical use case plan tailored to their organization. Program effectiveness will be evaluated through exam results, completion of the final project plan, and participant feedback surveys.

Registration Fees and Policies

Cancellation & Refunds

Harrisburg University reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses/events at its discretion. Should a program or event be cancelled by the University, a full refund will be issued.

If you need to cancel your registration and would like a refund, please email ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu. Please attach the confirmation email that you received at time of registration.

A refund of 100% will be issued within 7 business days of your registration date.

A refund of 50% will be issued up until 8 days prior to the start of the course/event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 or less days prior to the start of the course/event.