Empowering Futures: Usher’s New Look and IBM Collaborate to Provide AI Training for Young Learners
In an exciting collaboration, Usher’s New Look (UNL) and IBM are joining forces to offer free career readiness training through IBM SkillsBuild. Aimed at empowering underrepresented youth in technology, this partnership introduces AI-focused courses and professional workplace skills to thousands of students nationwide.
IBM’s commitment to training two million in AI by 2026 takes a significant step forward with this collaboration, aligning perfectly with UNL’s mission to transform the lives of under-resourced youth through education and leadership development.
UNL, renowned for its dedication to expanding young minds, will integrate IBM SkillsBuild into its curriculum, enhancing existing coursework on leadership, financial literacy, and career-readiness. The tailored learning plans, including courses like resume-writing with generative AI and building AI chatbots, promise to equip students with foundational AI knowledge.
Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM’s Vice President & Chief Impact Officer, expresses enthusiasm, emphasizing the potential impact on historically underrepresented communities. Careshia Moore, President and CEO of Usher’s New Look, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for students to thrive in a competitive workforce.
Communities across the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and New York City, will benefit from this initiative. The integration of IBM SkillsBuild into UNL’s Disruptivator Clubs, Leadership Academy Initiatives, Moguls in Training Program, and the upcoming 2024 UNL Disruptivator Summit demonstrates the breadth of impact on the nation’s youth.
The announcement at SXSW EDU, with Lydia Logan, IBM’s VP of Global Education and Workforce Development, participating in a The Catalyst for Inclusive Mobility panel discussion, underscores the significance of skills-first practices for inclusive socioeconomic mobility.
IBM SkillsBuild, a free education program, plays a pivotal role in this collaboration, offering a diverse range of courses in AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, and more. The program’s commitment to underrepresented communities aligns seamlessly with Usher’s New Look’s vision for unlocking the full potential of young individuals.
As Usher’s New Look and IBM embark on this dynamic partnership, they pave the way for a future where AI knowledge is accessible to all, breaking barriers and empowering the next generation for success in the evolving workforce.
