The Citi Foundation has initiated its fourth Global Innovation Challenge, offering a Request for Proposals (RFP) valued at $25 million. This initiative aims to equip young individuals worldwide with the necessary skills, experiences, and opportunities to succeed in an economy increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI).
Brandee McHale, the Head of Community Investing and Development at Citi and President of the Citi Foundation, stated, “As technology rapidly reshapes the workplace, youth—especially those from low-income backgrounds—encounter significant challenges alongside new possibilities. Proficiency in AI is essential for accessing these possibilities. Through this Global Innovation Challenge, we aim to ensure that young people acquire this proficiency, develop the skills required for future jobs, and emerge as the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”
Research from the World Economic Forum indicates that about 66% of employers are seeking candidates with specialized AI skills, highlighting the increasing importance of AI and digital literacy. While AI is generating new opportunities, it also risks creating a digital divide for young individuals who might lack the necessary access and skills to thrive in the job market.
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The findings further emphasize the ongoing need for human-centric skills, with over 60% of employers reporting a rising demand for abilities such as critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability. Enhancing these soft skills, alongside technological capabilities, can improve overall employability and economic advancement.
In response to these challenges, the latest Global Innovation Challenge will allocate $500,000 to 50 community organizations dedicated to:
- Empowering low-income youth to acquire both AI competencies and human-centric skills essential for employment, including prompt engineering, digital content creation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Linking young people to job opportunities through resources like community centers equipped with shared devices and software that are accessible even with limited internet connectivity.
- Enhancing existing youth employment initiatives by incorporating AI tools.
- Developing and nurturing cross-sector collaborations to exchange best practices, enhance capacity, and address the evolving needs of the workforce.
This Challenge is part of the Citi Foundation’s ongoing commitment to youth, reinforcing initiatives like the decade-long Pathways to Progress and the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge aimed at boosting youth employment. Citi employees also contribute year-round by volunteering, offering mentorship and career guidance, and conducting various workshops to enhance employability skills.
The deadline for eligible organizations to express their interest is Tuesday, October 6, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with recipients to be announced in 2027. For further details regarding this opportunity, including eligibility criteria and targeted regions, please visit www.citifoundation.com/rfp.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
