What We Heard Across the AI and Future of Work Event Series So Far

Lessons from Leaders, Builders, and Bold Thinkers

🔑 Key Themes and Lessons Learned

1. The Old Models Are Cracking. And That’s an Opportunity.

From philanthropic shifts to AI disruption, the ground is moving under us. Traditional nonprofit models are facing pressure, and as funding tightens, expectations to scale only grow. But as Shawna Young of Camelback Ventures reminded us, the systems being dismantled weren’t built for equity. This is a moment to rebuild better with courage, creativity, and collaboration.

2. Sustainable Scale Demands New Structures

Organizations are embracing hybrid models, M&A strategies, and earned revenue to stay afloat and expand impact. Scott Frauenheim with LEAP Innovations emphasized that nonprofits are at a moment of reckoning where “one-plus-one equals three in really smart ways.” Whether merging back-office services or sharing infrastructure, smart collaboration is key. REACH Pathways was structured as a social enterprise controlled and managed by Chicago Scholars as a new hybrid business model with a mission-first structure.

3. Tech Isn’t the Answer, Strategy Is

AI makes it easier than ever to build. But as Amu Fowler at Startups Ignite warned, “Building a product is easy. Building a good product is hard.” For many youth-serving organizations, buying or partnering is a smarter move than building from scratch, especially without deep tech capacity. Tools should serve your mission, not distract from it. With the growth of new tools in this space in the last few years, where might we partner to build? We heard case studies from Uprooted Academy, CodePath, OneGoal, CareerVillage, REACH Pathways, and Chicago Scholars.

4. AI Fluency Will Be the New Baseline

Multiple speakers emphasized that AI fluency, like computer literacy before it, will be the new baseline. But definitions vary. Some see fluency as the ability to critically evaluate and apply AI tools. Others, like Mike Yates, argue for AI dexterity, a mindset of experimentation, adaptation, and strategic use. Either way, students will need to build expertise and lead with (and not just use) AI. As Marley shared, “What we've seen is that if you give a junior developer a set of AI tools, especially really great prompts and AI... you can get their performance to ramp up to what would honestly have taken them 3, 4, 5 years of experience to be able to get to before the world of generative AI.”

5. Building Durable Skills Will Be Core to the Future of Work

Our panels discussed extensively the types of skills needed in the future. Lindsey Schmitz at The Academy Group emphasized that students will need, “different leadership skills … in the world of AI.” Michael Ellison from CodePath emphasized that students must build core skills in “quantitative reasoning, complex critical thinking skills, problem solving… and creativity,” while Sapna Rao at GE HealthCare emphasized the need for skills in “data science, AI ethics, human collaboration, adaptability, and empathy.” 

6. The Future of Work Is Here, and It’s Unwritten

It’s clear: jobs are changing fast, and they are changing now. Entry-level roles are disappearing, workflows are transforming, and expectations are rising. But so is opportunity. Those who learn quickly, lead boldly, and build AI dexterity will thrive. Those who are left behind may stay behind, unless we intervene.

7. Equity Is Not Inevitable. It Must Be Designed.

Access to tools, guidance, and mentorship can’t depend on zip codes. Students like REACH advisor Claudia Jimenez reminded us that AI arrived without a roadmap. If we want the future to be inclusive, we must teach ethics, provide context, and ensure students are creators, not just consumers, of the AI-powered world ahead. That’s why REACH hires over 25 paid youth advisors between the ages of 17-25 to help build our product. Our Advisors do everything from training our AI tool to building product content to helping us decide which features to prioritize. 

💡 What You Can Do Right Now

1. Build AI Dexterity

Encourage students to experiment with AI tools, build real-world projects, and explore how these technologies can solve problems. As Marley Rosario challenged: “Try to make money with AI this summer.” There's no better teacher than hands-on experience.

2. Demystify the Tools

Help young people understand what AI is, when it’s useful, and where its limits lie. Promote critical thinking, ethical use, and practical application over rote prompts or gimmicks. Check out the new AI Fluency competency in REACH to learn more about AI and the future of work.

3. Close the Access Gap

Funders, schools, and nonprofits must actively bring emerging technologies into the classroom and teach students how to use the tools to build their skills grounded in AI ethics. We can’t let history repeat itself. 

4. Assess Your Business Model

Audit your structure. Are your revenue streams future-fit? Are there shared services, partnerships, or hybrid strategies that could improve your reach and resilience?

5. Start the Collaboration Conversation

Whether it’s M&A, co-designing tools, or launching shared pilots, collaborate. The sector can’t afford silos. Our students need collective strength and shared infrastructure. As Jessica Paulsen emphasized, the LEAP Innovations AI Education Network and Professional Learning Communities are one place to get started.

6. Pass the Mic. Build with Youth.

Include youth in designing the AI learning experiences they want and need. As Claudia said, “We need to be part of the creation, not just the consumption.”

🚀 What’s Next at REACH

Join our remaining events in the series, Leading in the Moment: Building Youth Readiness in the AI Era, in July! Register here

Our AI Fluency Curriculum is live!It was built with youth, for youth to prepare students for the AI-powered workforce. It’s focused on agency, ethics, and real-world application. If you’re a school, nonprofit, or employer interested in piloting or partnering, let’s talk.

The future of work is arriving fast. Let’s ensure the next generation is ready, not just to participate, but to lead.  Join the REACH Platform and select "AI Fluency and Prompt Engineering" under the Skills Tree to check it out.

Missed the Events or want to Re-Listen?

• From Idea to Infrastructure: Building the Future of Youth-Serving Models with Technology and Purpose featuring Shawna Young (Camelback Ventures), Scott Frauenheim (LEAP Innovations), Amu Fowler (Startusp Ignite) and Brooke Mckean (REACH Pathways) - Recording here

• Preparing Youth to Lead and Succeed in the Future of Work (Virtual) featuring Michael Ellison (CodePath), Lindsey Schmitz (The Academy Group), Marley Rosario (MJV), Sapna Rao (GE HealthCare), and Jeffery Beckham Jr. (Chicago Scholars and REACH Pathways) - Recording here

• Preparing Youth to Lead and Succeed in the Future of Work (live in Chicago) featuring Mike Yates (Teach for America Reinvention Lab), Jessica Paulsen (LEAP Innovations), Alix Coupet (The Academy Group), Marley Rosario (MJV), and Claudia Jimenez (REACH Pathways - Audio Recording Here and AI Guides and Handouts here