Custom Learning at Northeastern

Build AI, data, and digital skills your team can use at work.

The Roux Institute delivers customized, instructor-led learning experiences that help organizations close skill gaps, apply new tools, and make progress on real business challenges.

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A Northeastern instructor leading an applied learning session
Instructor-led learning connected to real workplace challenges
6,200+ partner employees and community members trained
96% of learners reported using generative AI daily after training, up from 52%
92% said the workshop increased their interest in continuing to learn about AI
80% of custom learning participants reported improved job performance

Generative AI results are based on a learner follow-up survey conducted two months after a Maximizing Productivity with Generative AI workshop.

Choose your starting point

Where does your organization need to build AI capability?

Start with the need that matters most. We can customize the content, format, and learning sequence around your workforce and priorities.

01

Use AI more effectively at work

Help employees apply AI tools safely and productively in their everyday roles and workflows.

Explore training 02

Prepare leaders to guide adoption

Build the shared understanding leaders need to guide teams, investment, and organizational change.

Explore training 03

Identify valuable AI opportunities

Give teams a structured way to evaluate and prioritize potential AI use cases.

Explore training 04

Put responsible AI into practice

Translate AI principles into practical guidance, governance, and decision-making processes.

Explore training

Beyond training

Connect learning to what comes next.

Northeastern brings workforce learning, graduate talent, applied AI, and research together. As your needs develop, we can help move from capability building to governance, use-case development, prototyping, implementation, or custom research.

Graduate talent Applied AI solutions Working Labs Responsible AI Custom research
Talk with our team

Custom Learning pathways

Build the capabilities your organization needs next.

Explore a recommended learning sequence based on what you are trying to accomplish or who you need to prepare. Each pathway can be customized around your priorities, industry, tools, and workforce.

What are you trying to do?

Who are you training?

Not sure which pathway fits?

We can recommend a sequence based on your audience, goals, current capabilities, available tools, and organizational priorities.

Talk with our team

Partner feedback

What learners put into practice.

Participants leave with practical methods, frameworks, and skills they can apply to real work.

Maximizing Productivity with Generative AI

“Great job of breaking it down and progressing through examples- it was helpful to digest and then practice! I actually was able to solve a real problem I have been fighting with for months!”
Heather HodgeIT Helpdesk Supervisor, Bangor Savings Bank

Maximizing Productivity with Generative AI

“Very engaging - leaving course with tangible skills that I can use right away and also with concepts that can be applied broadly.”
Sarah RinesSenior Program Manager, MaineHealth

Maximizing Productivity with Generative AI

“Applicable knowledge and skills that can be leveraged immediately.”
Shemika ShackelfordProcess Manager, Unum

Evaluating AI Opportunities

“Practical way to break down potential AI use cases that could benefit the organization.”
Eileen RiveraHead of Global Total Rewards & Talent Acquisition, Biogen

Identifying AI Opportunities

“Really helpful and practical framework which supported engaging conversations in the breakout rooms.”
Michael CatoSenior VP and CIO, Bowdoin College

Maximizing Productivity with Generative AI

“The examples for the exercises were very applicable to my job, and I realized tasks AI could assist with that I was not already utilizing it for.”
Brittney TomaselloAVP, Senior Marketing Coordinator, Bangor Savings Bank

Evaluating AI Opportunities

“I like that it broke the process of analyzing an AI opportunity down into practical steps. It’s been difficult to know where to start.”
Maureen FlahertyChief Strategy Officer, Kennebunk Savings Bank

Maximizing Productivity with Generative AI

“Interactive and engaging with the ability to ‘practice’ on relevant projects to my work.”
Ann LynchExecutive, BerryDunn

Use the arrows, swipe, or scroll horizontally to see more comments.

Learning in action

See what practical AI learning can look like.

Custom learning connects AI concepts to the real decisions, tools, and workflows people encounter in their work.

Free AI resource

The Power of Better AI Prompts

Download Zach’s AI Prompt Engineering 101 Guide, a quick-start PDF with practical strategies, examples, and frameworks to help professionals get better results from AI tools.

Illustration for Zach's AI Prompt Engineering 101 Guide Download the guide

Why organizations choose our training

Practical learning built around your workforce.

Our programs are designed for direct application, live engagement, and organizational relevance. That means learners work with real scenarios, relevant tools, and guided practice that connects back to the work they do every day.

1

Applied, not passive

Participants apply what they learn directly to day-to-day work instead of sitting through passive lectures.

2

Instructor-led and interactive

Live instruction, discussion, hands-on activities, breakouts, and feedback keep learners engaged.

3

Built around your context

Courses can reflect your business priorities, roles, tech stack, data environment, and industry scenarios.

4

Backed by university expertise

Northeastern faculty and staff bring academic depth into programs designed for workplace application.

5

Designed to scale

Support one team, one function, a leadership cohort, technical staff, or broader workforce capability building.

6

Measured for impact

We collect and share learner feedback to help evaluate program effectiveness and inform next steps.

Training comparison

How Northeastern University Custom Learning compares to other common training options.

Many options introduce AI, data, and digital topics. Roux custom learning is designed to connect live instruction, customization, and practical application to the realities of your organization.

What to compareNortheastern Custom LearningSelf-paced online coursesGeneralist training vendorsNo Training Support Provided
Customized to your organization✓
Built around your goals, roles, and context		–
Usually standardized		◐
Some tailoring		◐
Left to individuals to seek upskilling
Live expert faculty instruction✓
Facilitated collaboration, discussion, coaching, and Q&A		–
Typically solo learning		◐
Atypical		-
Not applicable
Applied to real workflows✓
Designed to change the way teams approach real challenges		–
Often one-size-fits-all		◐
May not reflect your workflow		◐
Skills learned for generic application
Role-based learning paths✓
Supports leaders, technical staff, business teams and end-users		◐
Some options exist		◐
May not reflect actual use cases		–
Possible for self-motivated individuals
Broader AI readiness support✓
Aligns with adoption and workforce goals		–
Standalone learning		◐
Sometimes connected		–
Not scalable
✓Strong fit◐Partial fit–Limited fit

Need help figuring out the right training path?

We can help you decide what makes sense for your audience, goals, tools, and current level of AI or data maturity.

Talk with our team

Our approach to AI readiness

Training is one part of building an AI-ready organization.

AI readiness is not built through one-off courses or tool access alone. Organizations need shared understanding, practical application, and support structures that help teams use AI responsibly and effectively in their daily work.

01

Build shared fluency

Leaders and teams need a common language for AI, data, risk, opportunity, and responsible use. This foundation helps organizations make better decisions and reduces confusion across functions.

02

Apply learning to real work

Training should connect directly to the roles, workflows, tools, and business challenges employees already face. That is where AI moves from abstract concept to practical capability.

03

Sustain adoption over time

AI capability grows when organizations pair training with leadership alignment, responsible use guidance, peer learning, measurement, and continued support after the first session ends.

Roux custom learning is designed around this progression.

We help organizations move from awareness to applied use by tailoring programs to the audience, maturity level, tools, business priorities, and adoption goals.

Talk with our team Explore our expertise
83%–97%

Learners reported practical AI confidence after training.

In a recent cohort, post-training confidence reached 83%–97% across measured AI skill areas, including RAG, AI agents, system prompts, LLM memory, and personalization settings.

Based on learners who completed both the pre-survey and post-survey. Pre-training confidence ranged from 0%–41%.

How custom learning works

We do not start with a generic course and hope it fits. We work with partners to assess needs, recommend learning paths, customize content, deliver live learning, and evaluate participant feedback.

Start a conversation Meet our experts
1

Assess needs and current capabilities

We begin by understanding your organization’s goals, roles, skill gaps, priorities, and learning constraints.

2

Recommend the right learning sequence

We identify course progressions and learning experiences aligned to your business priorities and workforce needs.

3

Co-design the learning experience

We customize content with your input so examples, tools, and scenarios feel relevant and useful to learners.

4

Deliver live, applied sessions

Programs are scheduled around your team’s capacity and designed to prioritize practice, discussion, and application.

5

Share feedback and next steps

Participant feedback helps evaluate the experience and inform future training, expansion, or follow-on support.

Course catalog

Training options for leaders, functional teams, and technical staff.

Courses can be customized for different levels, departments, and roles. Explore common starting points below, then download the full catalog for more options.

Explore the full Custom Learning Course Catalog

Browse additional AI, data, analytics, responsible AI, software, and project management courses available for customized delivery.

Download full catalog
AI Leadership

Essential AI for Leaders

Help leaders build shared AI fluency, understand opportunity areas, and make better decisions about adoption and investment.

“Providing tools to help leaders wrap their heads around using and implementing AI without much knowledge of the nuts and bolts.”
Scott McAuliffe, Digital Product Manager, GMRI
View course →
Leadership training
AI Strategy

Evaluating AI Opportunities

Give teams a structured way to identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI opportunities tied to business value.

“It broke the process of analyzing an AI opportunity down into practical steps. It’s been difficult to know where to start.”
Maureen Flaherty, Chief Strategy Officer, Kennebunk Savings Bank
View course →
Leadership training
AI at Work

Maximizing Productivity with Generative AI

Help employees use generative AI tools more effectively, safely, and consistently in everyday workflows.

“It gave some basic and easily understandable steps to create useful AI prompts for my work. It was engaging, interactive, and gave us time to experiment.”
Christina Stacey, Permitting Manager, City of Portland
View course →
Non-technical
Responsible AI

Establishing RAI Governance and Data Ethics

Support teams responsible for deploying AI in ways that maximize positive impact, reduce risk, and address emerging regulations.

“The session forced us to think about considerations I hadn’t thought about previously, such as the need for an AI ethics committee and how AI can be governed appropriately.”
Diane Porter, Director of Financial Crimes, Bangor Savings Bank
View course →
Leadership / non-technical
Data Strategy

Developing an Organizational Data Strategy

Align leaders around the strategic and operational pillars needed to become a more data-driven organization.

“Good collaboration and an opportunity to have data discussions with bank peers.”
Sean Reardon, Data and Analytics Manager, Bangor Savings Bank
View course →
Leadership training
Analytics

Cultivating Data-Driven Decision Making

Help functional teams ask stronger questions, interpret data, and use insights to drive business decisions.

“I found the content relevant to my role and am now better equipped to analyze and present data.”
Ilayda Demirdag, Practice Analyst, Orrick
View course →
Non-technical
Data Science

Building Predictive and Prescriptive AI Data Models

Build technical capability in Python-based machine learning for predictive and prescriptive data modeling.

“Machine learning and analysis were taught in an approachable manner. It was useful to see practical examples.”
Bryan Adams, Site Reliability Engineer, Bangor Savings Bank
View course →
Technical
Software Engineering

Maximizing Productivity with GitHub Copilot

Support developers in using AI-assisted coding tools more effectively inside real engineering workflows.

View course →
Technical
Project Management

Advancing Effective Project Management Practices

Help project managers and team leads strengthen planning, communication, stakeholder management, risk management, and execution.

“Well-presented information, assignments clearly tied to work, and lots of opportunities for participation.”
Colby Santana, Practice Analyst, Orrick
View course →
Non-technical

Frameworks

Structured thinking for AI and analytics readiness.

Our custom learning team uses practical frameworks to help organizations move from broad interest to clearer priorities, targeted upskilling, and measurable business value.

TRIAD Framework™

A practical framework to help organizations evaluate AI opportunities through strategic questions, moving from reactive experimentation to clearer value delivery.

Explore the framework →

Analytical LEAP Framework

A workforce capability framework that maps current skills against future needs and helps identify targeted upskilling recommendations by role.

Explore the framework →

Custom Learning

Talk with our custom learning team

Exploring AI, data, or technology training for your organization? Connect with our team to discuss custom programs, role-based learning, and practical ways to help employees apply new skills in their work.

Colleen Thibeault

Custom Learning Solutions Liaison

Colleen Thibeault

Book with Colleen View profile
Lauren Sparacino

Custom Learning Solutions Liaison

Lauren Sparacino

Book with Lauren View profile

Custom Learning Expertise

Learn from experts helping organizations use AI and data at work

Our programs are shaped by Roux Institute practitioners working across AI adoption, data literacy, workforce transformation, responsible use, and practical implementation.

Berkeley Almand-Hunter

AI Adoption, Data Literacy, and Responsible Use

Berkeley Almand-Hunter

Berkeley helps teams understand how AI and data tools can support real workflows, better decision-making, and practical adoption.

View profile The AI Toolbox for Lawyers Maine Calling: AI, privacy, and security Augmenting talent from within AI and workforce transformation
Dan Koloski

Workforce Transformation, AI Strategy, and Intrapreneurship

Dan Koloski

Dan focuses on helping organizations build AI and data capability from within by connecting learning, innovation, and workforce strategy.

View profile Northeastern feature on Dan Koloski Augmenting talent from within AI and workforce transformation

FAQs

Common questions about custom learning.

What if the course we need is not listed?

Reach out to the custom learning team. Programs can be shaped around your organization’s specific needs, roles, tools, and priorities.

How long are courses?

Course length can range from short workshops to more in-depth learning experiences, depending on the topic, audience, and amount of applied work needed.

How many people can participate?

Many virtual classes can run as cohorts of up to 50 learners, though smaller groups may be recommended depending on the content and goals.

Who are these courses for?

Courses support employees from frontline staff to executives, including technical, non-technical, functional, and leadership audiences.

Do learners receive proof of attendance?

Many learning experiences include a digital badge that learners can share as a visual micro-credential.

Is funding available?

Maine-based employers may be able to explore workforce training funding through the Harold Alfond Center Workforce Development Grant.

Ready to build workforce capability?

Start with a short conversation about your team, goals, and learning needs.

Meet the team Download catalog Email us

Partner outcomes

What custom learning can make possible.

Organizations work with Northeastern to build shared AI understanding, strengthen role-specific capabilities, and connect learning to broader adoption and implementation efforts.

Organization-wide adoption 56% → 96%

increase in reported employee generative AI use

Bangor Savings Bank

A two-year initiative combined workforce assessment, custom AI and data literacy training, graduate talent, and applied AI support.

  • Eight co-op students deployed to address technical needs
  • Responsible AI connected to customer trust and adoption
  • Applied AI work designed to strengthen customer engagement
Read the case study
Executive AI capability 150

executives engaged in customized AI learning

Global biotechnology company

A two-part learning experience helped executives build a shared understanding of AI and practice prioritizing potential AI investments.

  • Four hours of customized executive learning
  • Business-first evaluation of AI opportunities
  • Shared framework for strategic investment decisions
Discuss executive learning
Role-based workforce learning ~175

employees supported across roles and levels

Professional services firm

Six tailored learning experiences helped employees apply AI within their roles and supported a lean internal technology team.

  • Six customized learning experiences
  • Role-specific application across functional teams
  • AI office hours led by Roux graduate students
Discuss workforce learning

What could a learning program accomplish for your organization?

We can help you identify the right audience, learning sequence, delivery format, and opportunities for continued support.

Talk with our team

Responsible AI Education Programs

Responsible AI Education

Help your teams put Responsible AI into practice.

Responsible AI is not only a policy conversation. It requires shared language, practical decision-making, governance structures, and role-specific training for the people building, buying, managing, and using AI systems.

Download Responsible AI catalog Talk with our team

From awareness to action

Northeastern’s Responsible AI education helps organizations move beyond high-level principles and build the skills, structures, and practices needed to manage AI responsibly.

Explore Responsible AI Practice
Leaders

Responsible AI for decision-makers

Build shared understanding of AI risk, oversight, accountability, and governance so leaders can make better adoption decisions.

Governance

Policy-to-practice training

Help teams translate Responsible AI principles into workflows, review processes, deployment gates, and evidence-based decision-making.

Product & Technical

Risk and impact assessment

Train teams to identify, evaluate, and document risks related to fairness, robustness, explainability, privacy, safety, and intended use.

Workforce

Responsible use of AI tools

Support employees using generative AI with practical guidance around privacy, accuracy, human oversight, bias, and appropriate use.

Responsible AI education can be delivered as stand-alone training or paired with broader AI strategy, governance, workforce development, or applied AI initiatives.


Responsible AI Highlighed Courses

Responsible AI Executive Education

This course equips leaders with an actionable blueprint to drive RAI strategy and advance their businesses in the digital age. Ideal for those leading company strategy, digital transformation, or innovation initiatives.

View Course

Ethics and Governance in the Age of Generative AI

Explore the ethical and technical foundations of generative AI and learn best practices for its responsible integration. Ideal for individuals seeking to navigate AI development and deployment responsibly.

View Course