Collaboration through IBM SkillsBuild will
create access to technology training for thousands of young people
from communities historically underrepresented in
technology
AUSTIN,
Texas, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SXSW EDU
-- Usher's New Look (UNL) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced
a collaboration to provide free career readiness training
through IBM SkillsBuild. With a focus on artificial
intelligence (AI) and professional workplace skills, IBM will
provide UNL with training and customized learning plans for student
learners. This effort aims to benefit thousands of UNL's young
learners nationwide, including high school and college-age youth
from communities traditionally underrepresented in technology.
It's increasingly important for students to be equipped with a
fundamental understanding of AI and how this technology will shape
the workforce of the future. In a recent U.S. YouGov survey on AI
in Education, 61% of respondents reported it is very or somewhat
necessary for K-12 students to learn AI-related skills for their
future careers.
"It's a privilege for IBM to join forces with Usher's New Look
in making a real difference for promising young learners from
communities that have been historically underrepresented in
technology," said Justina
Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President & Chief Impact
Officer. "As AI continues to be a driving force in the workplace,
we believe that IBM SkillsBuild is well-positioned to help students
develop the technology skills they'll need to succeed."
Careshia Moore, President and CEO
of Usher's New Look, added, "Usher's New Look is dedicated to
providing opportunities for young people to expand their way of
thinking, and to discover pathways to success. Access to AI and
other innovative technological advances will help our students
become productive members of today's competitive workforce. We are
thrilled to embark on such a dynamic and timely partnership with
IBM to help ensure the future of our students."
UNL, a leading nonprofit organization that transforms the lives
of under-resourced youth through education, public service, and
leadership development, will offer learners enhanced IBM
SkillsBuild coursework. This technology training is an
important addition to UNL's existing curriculum across leadership,
financial literacy, and career-readiness, with IBM as its first
education technology partner.
UNL and IBM's education experts are developing customized
learning plans for student learners to match their learning levels,
providing a simple and enriching experience, which will include AI
courses such as:
- Resume-writing with generative AI;
- Build your own AI chatbot; and
- Mastering the art of AI prompting.
Together with professional coursework on skills like public
speaking and job interview readiness, these customized learning
plans will provide students with a foundational understanding of AI
and prepare them for their career searches.
In addition, students will have access to more than 1,000 free
courses in IBM SkillsBuild as well as digital credentials,
including coursework in AI fundamentals, generative AI, AI ethics,
prompt writing, machine learning, AI to help the environment, and
improving customer service with AI.
Communities helped by UNL span the
United States including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los
Angeles, Milwaukee, and
New York City. Across these cities
and through online learning, UNL will integrate IBM SkillsBuild
into its Disruptivator Clubs, Leadership Academy Initiatives,
Moguls in Training Program, and the 2024 UNL Disruptivator Summit
to be held in Atlanta this July as
the largest youth conference in the nation.
The news was announced at SXSW EDU, where Lydia Logan, IBM's VP of Global Education and
Workforce Development, participated in a panel discussion on
skills-first practices as a catalyst for inclusive socioeconomic
mobility.
The collaboration will emphasize IBM SkillsBuild courses and
credentials focused on AI and professional, durable workplace
skills. As such, the effort with UNL is part of IBM's commitment to
train two million in AI through 2026.
About Usher's New Look
Usher's New Look is a 501c3 organization founded by Usher
Raymond IV in 1999. For 25 years, Usher's New Look has supported a
vision that all youth should be afforded the chance to unlock their
full potential. Since its founding, Usher's New Look has touched
the lives of more than 55,000 young people of all backgrounds from
more than 25 countries. While UNL's programming year consists of
regional events such as its Leadership
Academy, Disruptivator Clubs at high schools and
organizations across the country and Financial Literacy workshops,
the Disruptivator Summit is where UNL has the
opportunity to dedicate two solid days to working with the
attending students, parents, educators and sponsors, and in so
doing, provide the youth with the tools they need to
ultimately make a difference in their lives and in their
communities.
About IBM SkillsBuild
IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program focused on
underrepresented communities in tech. It helps adult learners, and
high school and university students and faculty, develop valuable
new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an
online platform that is complemented by customized practical
learning experiences delivered in collaboration with a global
network of partners.
The open version of IBM SkillsBuild is an online platform
offering over 1,000 courses in 20 languages on AI, sustainability,
cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and many other
technical disciplines — as well as in workplace skills such as
design thinking. Participants can earn IBM-branded digital
credentials that are recognized by the market.
The enhanced, partner version of IBM SkillsBuild may also
include workshops, expert conversations with IBM coaches and
mentors, project-based learning, access to IBM software,
specialized support from partners through the learning process, and
connection to career opportunities.
Visit skillsbuild.org to learn more.
Media Contact:
Deirdre Leahy Hart
IBM Media Relations
deirdre.leahy@ibm.com
Helen Shelton
Finn Partners for UNL
helen.shelton@finnpartners.com
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SOURCE IBM