From smartphones and digital platforms to the rapidly evolving presence of AI, technology is woven into everyday life. Over half (52%) of teens believe that generative AI will play a role in future jobs, highlighting the need to help young people understand how technology can intersect with their fields of interest and how they can learn how to use it effectively in the workplace.
For young people navigating careers, technology is not just helpful, but essential. It makes career-connected learning much more accessible for learners facing systemic barriers or living in rural areas. Today’s learners are looking for a combination of technology and human connection that introduces them to a wide range of career pathways, including industries and professions they might not otherwise encounter. In addition, nonprofit leaders who are providing career connected learning experiences across the country are looking for additional capacity building support.
That’s why Britebound is proud to support organizations such as ISTE+ASCD and Catalyst Exchange that build digital systems and programs that make accessing these experiences possible and provide technical assistance to nonprofit leaders who are navigating a quickly changing world. Keep reading to learn more about them.
Stepping Into the World of Artificial Intelligence
The use of AI is always growing, and that means that it’s making its way into workplaces. Considering this, how can we prepare students to not only face this technology, but to wield it expertly and become an asset to employers?
That’s where ISTE+ASCD, an organization that equips system leaders, educators, and technology providers with the professional learning, standards, and trusted guidance they need to ensure technology genuinely improves teaching and learning, comes in.
ISTE is an organization that equips system leaders, educators, and technology providers with the professional learning, standards, and trusted guidance they need to ensure technology genuinely improves teaching and learning. Three years ago, ISTE merged with ASCD to combine expertise in technology and innovation with research-based professional learning for educators and education leaders.
“This investment accelerates work we’re deeply excited about — helping students learn how to use AI in ways that expand, rather than replace, their human capabilities. By clearly defining essential human roles that can be supported through AI, we can better prepare them to navigate complexity, collaborate meaningfully, and shape their future.” — Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD
With their grant from Britebound, ISTE+ASCD will build on its Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate framework to define the AI-supported roles students should be prepared to take on in an AI-rich workforce. The work will include thought leadership and educator-facing resources to help schools move beyond AI literacy toward meaningful AI fluency.
Using Tech to Bring Support to Our Grantees
Catalyst Exchange partners with mission-driven leaders by offering tailored support, connections with highly-qualified professionals, and an easy-to-use platform. Through tools like the Resilience Hub, the organization helps strengthen nonprofit teams, operations, and sustainability so they can better serve young people and communities. For example, when a grantee has the support they need to run a strong organization, learners on the ground are the ones who benefit most.
“Through the Resilience Hub, we’re seeing Britebound grantees actively leverage responsive, on-demand support in the areas that matter most to their sustainability and growth — particularly fundraising and revenue generation. What’s been most meaningful is seeing organizations use our platform not only during moments of challenge, but also as a practical resource for strengthening day-to-day operations, building internal capacity, and getting trusted guidance when they need it most. The Resilience Hub shows how technology can make it easier for nonprofit leaders to access timely support that helps their organizations stay focused, adaptable, and effective.” — Catalyst Exchange
With their grant from Britebound, Catalyst Exchange expanded the Resilience Hub — a digital platform through which fellow Britebound grantees can access real-time guidance from advisors, connect with trusted experts, and learn alongside peers. The platform helps deliver high-quality technical assistance to our grantee community in a more timely and accessible way.
The need to integrate technology with youth career-connected learning has never been more clear. It opens doors for young people who might otherwise lack access to opportunities, and it prepares them for a workplace where AI fluency is increasingly a baseline expectation. Just as importantly, technology paired with support services can help strengthen the organizations serving those young people — improving operations, building staff capacity, and expanding access to high-quality learning experiences in communities that need them most. We’re looking forward to seeing the continued work of ISTE+ASCD and Catalyst Exchange as they help young people build toward a successful future.
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