Enhancing Education with AI: Building Skills for the Future of Work

March 28, 2028

At JA Worldwide, we believe artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work and entrepreneurship and transforming how young people learn, innovate, and prepare for the world ahead. In recognition of AI Literacy Day and our ongoing commitment to preparing youth for tomorrow’s challenges, we’re proud to share a range of initiatives that embed AI into every layer of our work, from teacher training to student learning experiences.

A Global Commitment to AI Literacy

JA views AI literacy as essential for students, educators, and staff. Our train-the-trainer approach empowers JA staff with the tools and knowledge they need to support educators who bring AI literacy into the classroom. This scalable model ensures our approach reaches young people across all six JA regions.

Through partnerships with leading AI and education organizations, JA ensures content stays relevant, practical, and accessible. Our approach focuses on two key dimensions: learning about AI—understanding its principles, ethics, and applications—and learning with AI—using AI tools to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and other uniquely human skills.

Our emphasis on hands-on, practical AI integration allows young people to interact with real-world tools and explore the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship.

Advancing AI Thought Leadership in Education

“As young people grow up in an AI-driven world, educators, mentors, and youth-serving organizations are uniquely positioned to equip the next generation of leaders with the skillset and mindset to use and build AI responsibly.”

In collaboration with EY, JA Worldwide co-authored a thought leadership piece, “Teaching Students to Embrace AI Responsibly,” that explores how AI can drive equity, innovation, and deeper learning in education. This year, JA Worldwide introduced JA Boost, a new initiative developed with Alai Studios and the EY Global Organization. Introduced in a piece authored by JA Worldwide COO Caroline Jenner, JA Boost isn’t just another digital tool—it’s a portfolio of AI-powered learning enhancements tailored to JA’s core pillars: entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health.

JA Worldwide is also conducting research to measure AI competency in entrepreneurial contexts to inform ongoing thought leadership. This work will help shape future learning design and contribute to global conversations about AI in education.

Embedding AI into JA Learning Experiences

In addition to research, JA is weaving AI into our flagship programs. The JA Company Program now includes an AI masterclass that introduces students to AI’s role in business innovation, supported by a global grant from PMIEF. We’re also enhancing the Entrepreneurial Skills Pass (ESP) with a new AI literacy credential, supported by Accenture, preparing students for AI-driven workplaces.

JA Boost, developed with partners including Alai Studios, the EY Global Organization, and McKinsey Noble Intelligence, is a portfolio of AI-powered enhancements to JA learning experiences. These tools personalize and elevate the learning experience, making education more dynamic and accessible.

Networkwide Resources and Awareness

To support AI innovation and integration across the network, JA Worldwide has established the AI Center of Excellence, serving as a global hub for training, tools, and resources. The Center provides direct links to resources for educators and students, including Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator and the EY Global Organization’s AI Skills Passport.

Several significant grants have made it possible for JA to deliver AI training across the network:

  • Grants from Accenture and Microsoft support generative AI training for youth in all regions.

  • The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation grant supports a two-level professional development program for JA staff, educators, and alumni. Participants will co-create AI-integrated learning experiences aligned with the UNESCO AI framework, with outcomes showcased at the JA Worldwide Global Leadership Conference in November 2025.

  • A new educator course on AI in project-based learning is also being developed under the McGovern Grant.

  • Through our partnership with AI For Education, we’re expanding AI literacy training for staff around the world.

A Framework for Responsible AI Use

“In embracing AI at JA Worldwide, we recognize the profound implications this technology brings to our educational foundation and multiple initiatives.”

JA Worldwide has established AI ethical guidelines for use across our global network to guide responsible implementation. The guidelines outline JA Worldwide’s ethical framework for responsible and innovative use of AI as a framework to support fairness, transparency, and accountability in every AI-integrated learning experience. It emphasizes global principles, regional adaptability, and local experimentation, while prioritizing data privacy, transparency, inclusivity, and alignment with existing policies to ensure AI enhances learning experiences across the JA network.

These initiatives are just the start of AI integration throughout the JA global network. By equipping youth with the tools to navigate an AI-driven world, JA is helping to shape a future where technology enhances human potential and drives inclusive innovation.