As college tuitions soar and skepticism amounts over its real-world applicability, young people are looking to break away from the “college for all” narrative.


According to our research, 74% of Gen Z say they want to learn skills that prepare them for jobs that will be in demand in the future. This makes sense, as in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023, LinkedIn has seen a 21% increase in jobs advertising the duties one needs to be able to perform, not the acquisition of a degree. After all, an individual may not have the on-paper certifications for a particular position, but may still have the skills from previous experiences that make them competitive candidates.


Thus, as the adults in the room, we need to adapt to the changing scope of the modern-day workforce to nurture skill-building as well as promote diverse pathways instead of cookie-cutter solutions. Three of our 2024 grantees are working to equip students with transferable skills that will assist them in multiple career prospects.


Global service and cultural immersion: a community for future leaders.


United Planet has partnered with communities in 40+ countries to ensure that high school students and beyond can embark on missions to teach, learn, and serve in those communities. Youth are encouraged to break cultural and geographical boundaries while partaking in engaging educational experiences. They will be expanding their virtual global citizen leadership skill-building internships which will empower youth to address issues through a global lens, inspiring them to step outside of their homes and local communities to make a difference in the world.


“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Britebound to prepare American youth through virtual internships and trainings for success within a global economy, interconnected world, and the multicultural communities in which they live. By developing American youth as global citizen leaders, we will open up a world of opportunity for them and prepare them as leaders within their own communities and beyond.”


- Dave Santulli, Founder & CEO, United Planet


Business leaders have a say in the development of work-based education.


America Succeeds is a nonprofit that brings in business leaders to drive meaningful change in the education system with a focus on equity and opportunity. We are excited about their Research Practice Collaborative, an initiative focused on identifying and examining the features and practices that support effective durable skills development in high schools.


“We are very grateful for Britebound’s generous support and partnership to expand opportunities for learners to develop and demonstrate durable skills that will create pathways to economic mobility. As a growing number of states and systems look to embed durables skills across learner pathways, it will become increasingly important to help school leaders and educators identify the best-in-class, evidence-based solutions matched to their unique needs and community’s goals.”


- Tim Taylor, Co-Founder & President, America Succeeds


Technology-driven education and support for underserved youth.


Get Schooled is an all-digital platform that engages young learners, primarily first-generation, low-income, and students of color, with educational content on postsecondary planning, scholarships, college, and careers. They also provide one-on-one support for feedback in reviewing resumes and essays. We are excited for their new project, an AI assistant, which will coach young people on how to ace their first interview.


“Get Schooled is thrilled about Britebound’s investment in our AI-powered Interview Coach. AI can be a transformational tool for early career skill-building, and Get Schooled is grateful and excited to have brought this tool to life for the benefit of young people across the country.”


- John Branam, Executive Director, Get Schooled


Britebound is proud to support these organizations that are working to ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce with valuable and applicable durable skills.