Citi Foundation allocates US$ 25 million for youth AI training

Citi Foundation has launched its fourth Global Innovation Challenge, allocating US$ 25 million to prepare youth worldwide for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).

The initiative aims to provide young people, particularly those from low-income communities, with the skills, experiences, and opportunities necessary to thrive in the future workforce. Brandee McHale, Head of Citi Foundation, stated that AI fluency is essential to unlocking opportunities and helping the next generation become innovators and leaders.

According to the World Economic Forum, approximately 66% of employers expect to hire talent with specialized AI skills. The program seeks to address the potential for AI to widen the digital divide by fostering both technological proficiency and essential soft skills, such as critical thinking, resilience, and flexibility, which more than 60% of employers report are in increasing demand.