Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our programs, events, and how to get involved.
General
What is CA Impact Corp?
CA Impact Corp is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in downtown Los Angeles. We provide free AI training, community hiking events, and hackathons for adults in the LA area. Our mission is to make AI literacy accessible to everyone, especially people who didn’t grow up in tech.
Are your programs really free?
Yes, 100% free. No tuition, no hidden fees, no upsells. We’re funded by grants and corporate sponsors, not by charging participants. All our programs (hiking events, AI training, and hackathons) cost nothing to attend.
Who can participate?
Anyone in the Los Angeles area. Our programs are designed for adults navigating career transitions, small business owners, immigrants, career changers, and anyone curious about AI. No tech background, degree, or experience required.
How is CA Impact Corp funded?
Through a combination of grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations to CA Impact Corp are tax-deductible. We never charge participants for our programs.
How can I support your work?
You can volunteer as a mentor or event helper, donate to support our programs, or spread the word in your community. Companies can sponsor events or partner with us on workforce development. Email ceo@calimpact.org to get involved.
Hiking & Community Events
Where do you hike?
We hike in parks across Los Angeles: Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, Eaton Canyon, and other accessible trails. Locations change each month. We always pick trails that are easy to reach by public transit or with free parking.
How hard are the hikes?
Easy to moderate. Most of our trails are 3–5 miles with gentle elevation. We go at a comfortable pace so everyone can participate and have real conversations. You don’t need to be an athlete. You just need comfortable shoes and water.
What should I bring?
Water (at least 1 liter), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. We provide light snacks. Dress in layers. LA mornings can be cool even when afternoons are warm.
Do I need to speak English?
Not perfectly. Many of our participants speak multiple languages, and we welcome people at every level of English proficiency. Our events are about connection, not language tests. Speak whatever you’re comfortable with.
How do I sign up for a hike?
Visit our Hiking & Networking page for upcoming events and registration. Follow us on social media for announcements, or email us at ceo@calimpact.org to join our mailing list.
AI Skills Training
Do I need any experience to join AI training?
No. Our programs are designed for complete beginners. If you can use a smartphone or send an email, you can learn AI tools. We start with the basics and build up from there.
How long is the training program?
4 to 8 weeks, depending on the track you choose. We offer three tracks: AI Essentials (basics for everyone), Career Accelerator (job skills), and Small Business AI (tools for business owners). You commit about 4–6 hours per week.
What AI tools will I learn?
Practical tools you can use immediately: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Midjourney, and others. We focus on prompt engineering, data analysis, content creation, and automation. Real skills for real tasks. Not abstract theory.
Do I get a mentor?
Yes. Every participant is matched with a tech industry professional who mentors them one-on-one, 2 hours per week. Your mentor helps you learn AI tools, build your portfolio, and prepare for job opportunities.
Will this help me get a job?
That’s the goal. You’ll build an AI-enhanced portfolio, practice interviewing, and get connected to employers looking for AI-literate workers. Our mentors also help with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and networking.
How do I apply for AI training?
Fill out the application form on our AI Training page. It takes about 5 minutes. We’ll review your application and get back to you within 48 hours.
AI Hackathons
What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is a weekend event (usually 48 hours) where small teams of 3–5 people work together to build a technology project from scratch. At the end, teams present their projects to judges and compete for prizes. It’s intense, fun, and one of the fastest ways to learn.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Teams need a mix of skills: designers, researchers, presenters, project managers, and people with domain expertise. If you know about a problem that needs solving, you’re valuable. We also provide AI tools that make building easier for non-programmers.
How do teams work?
You can come with a pre-formed team or register solo. On the first evening, we help solo participants form teams based on shared interests. Every team gets a mentor to guide them throughout the weekend.
What kind of prizes are there?
Cash prizes funded by corporate sponsors. Our goal is $5,000+ in prizes per event, split across categories like Best Community Impact, Most Creative Solution, and Best Technical Implementation. Prizes stay under $2,000 per team.
When is the first hackathon?
We’re currently planning our first AI hackathon in Los Angeles. Sign up on our Hackathon page to get notified when registration opens. We also run monthly AI Builder Nights as warm-up events.
Still have questions?
Email us at ceo@calimpact.org or call (213) 550-7555.
We respond within 24 hours on business days.