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Together with Salesforce, we set ourselves an ambitious task: Identify impactful non-profit solutions that use AI to help young people build the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in their future careers. Focusing specifically on France, the UK, and Ireland, countries facing persistently high youth unemployment, we invited applications from organisations tackling this challenge.
It was fascinating to see how many educational solutions are already employing AI for guidance and career preparation, not just as an aid for teachers, but as something to be understood, critically evaluated, and used by learners.
Despite the narrow scope, our global innovation community delivered. We received 73 applications for this Spotlight, and from these, our academy of 34 expert reviewers selected four standout solutions. These initiatives represent impactful and scalable approaches to empowering youth through AI.
“Given that generative AI in education only became more widely available about three years ago, it was fascinating to see how many educational solutions are already employing it for guidance and career preparation, not just as an aid for teachers, but as something to be understood, critically evaluated, and used by learners. AI has so many applications, not just in the classroom, but to enhance lifelong learning and support the navigation of job paths and transitions over an individual’s career,” reflected Mariah Voutilainen, HundrED’s research lead on this project.
Meet the 4 selected solutions
Daydream Believers
Based in Scotland, Daydream Believers’ open-source model has allowed for global reach. Their Gen AI Exploration Hub supports teachers in learning about how to best employ AI usage as a skill that fuels learner creativity and exploration of future career pathways. They have partnered with schools in 32 of Scotland’s local authorities, even working to translate resources into Gaelic in support of Scotland’s multi-lingual population. Small but mighty, the team is committed to sustaining creativity and learner-centred design while employing AI responsibly. Daydream Believers has been previously recognised by HundrED in our Global Collection 2023.
Kinia
Kinia uses AI as a tool to enhance STEM programming for educators, youth workers and learners. Currently reaching 3,000 educators and 33,000 young people annually in Ireland, Kinia prides itself on its attention to diversity and inclusive education. Its programmes are co-created and localised with community needs at the forefront. Provision for educator training for teachers as well as for youth workers, in addition to competency-aligned badges for learners, solidify Kinia’s commitment to lifelong learning and preparation for future careers.
The Economist Educational Foundation
Taking a unique approach to artificial intelligence in career education, the Economist Educational Foundation provides free educational materials for teachers and learners in over one hundred countries with a nuanced view of AI that can inform future career skills. From their offices in the UK, a small team develops well-evidenced and high-quality resources that spark discussion in classrooms worldwide. Via the use of Gen AI and deepfake technologies, these materials prompt students to engage in conversations about how to analyse media sources and the value, ethics and use of AI. These exercises nurture critical thinking, an essential skill not just for future careers, but also for life. The Economist Educational Foundation was selected for HundrED's Global Collection 2021.
Vibe AI (DesCodeuses)
DesCodeuses’ mission is to reach underprivileged minority young women aged 16-25 in France and train them for a future of work with tech and artificial intelligence. Through workshops and a mentorship model that has been designed with their specific needs in mind, Vibe AI aims to provide young women with access to training and support in the tech field, which in France is often closed to them. The blended design of in-person and virtual sessions allows for flexibility, and after completing the first five modules, learners are already on the pathway to explore DesCodeuses’ own training or partner programmes. Already active in five cities, Paris, Saint-Ouen, Roubaix, Marseille, and Lyon, DesCodeuses is currently extending their reach internationally in Morocco.
The journey continues
Our Spotlight with Salesforce doesn’t end here. Qualifying finalists have been invited to apply for funding and support to scale their solution even further. Stay tuned as these innovators continue to shape the future of AI and career readiness.
