Missed our earlier convo on SkillUp AI? Catch up here.
When we first began experimenting with the idea of AI at SkillUp, we started with the question: how can AI help jobseekers who often navigate high-stakes circumstances and confusing moments with limited support?
That led us to build, test and ultimately rethink our first-generation AI-powered chatbot — a tool that did a great job answering questions but didn’t fully succeed in moving users forward. So, where do we go from here?
Our Next Chapter: Motivating Action with Agentic AI
The next evolution of SkillUp’s AI is designed to help users take action. We’re building Agentic AI-centric web, and it reflects a major shift in how we’re thinking about the future of our platform. As the internet evolves into a space where AI agents can act on a user’s behalf (navigating websites, completing tasks, customizing recommendations, and more), we believe this kind of intelligent, responsive support can be a game-changer for job seekers who are skilled through alternative routes (STARs).
We are, above all, worker-first champions. In the context of SkillUp AI, that means innovating to surface the right support at the right time. Making intelligent recommendations. Reducing friction and guiding users forward, not only via user prompts, but proactively.
This is about being useful, especially to the people who need it most.
Why It Matters for STARs
Our users face barriers that are both logistical and structural. We hear it all the time.
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I applied, but I never heard back.”
“Am I even qualified?”
“I did the training. What’s next?”
Answers to these questions don’t fit neatly on a FAQ page. They often require individualized guidance, encouragement and consistent nudges to stay the course. Our goal is to design tools that help STARs explore and pursue possibilities confidently, clearly and with reliable mentorship every step of the way.
Through support from the Gates Foundation, the Schultz Family Foundation, Cognizant, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and Google.org, we’re now developing a new generation of AI tools that actively help users progress in their career journey. Whether it’s guiding someone to the right training, helping them refine a resume, or even suggesting relevant financial supports, we want our AI integration to act like a teammate that understands where a user is in their journey and knows how to help.
This could be especially transformational for youth. Early on, with a lack of career experience and professional knowledge, job-related decisions can feel overwhelming and options hard to compare. AI can break that complexity down.
“Young adults can’t navigate toward opportunity if they can’t see the path,” said Marie Groark, managing director at the Schultz Family Foundation. “Through intentional design, SkillUp provides young people with clear, accessible information about career opportunities, and in doing so, has shown that when young people understand their options, they make smarter choices that benefit themselves, their families and their communities.”
“We’re not building cutting-edge technology just to keep up with the Joneses,” said Steve Lee, CEO of SkillUp. “We’re building it to meet STARs where they are and empower them to gain high-opportunity employment with the right level of personalized support at the right time.”
Big Vision for the Future: Single Stop AI
Our work on agentic AI and our vision for its future impact doesn’t stop at SkillUp. Through the Google.org AI Accelerator, we’re collaborating with partners like WhereWeGo, Climb Together and Upsolve to prototype a shared solution we call Single Stop AI. The goal is to integrate multiple AI instances into one intuitive experience so users don’t have to toggle between disconnected tools to get what they need. Our initial scope combines career navigation, mentorship, and critical life supports, but the possibilities are endless. And with the advent of Agent2Agent protocols - with the ability of AI agents to communicate with each other, securely exchange information, and coordinate actions - we believe the future is now.
With Single Stop AI, we’re testing how AI can guide users to their next job or training opportunity while also connecting them to peer support, legal and financial resources, and trusted voices. In addition to helpful information, users gain actionable guidance. And we are building it in a way that respects user privacy, trust and dignity.
Get Involved to Shape What’s Next
This next phase of work is bold. We’re in the early stages. But if we get this right, agentic AI will fundamentally reshape how STARs access opportunity and achieve upward mobility.
True to SkillUp form: We’re testing. We’re learning. We’re adapting.
And we’re actively seeking partners — from funders and technologists to workforce partners and platform builders — who share our commitment to making big moves to help STARs. If you’re building in this space, or believe in the power of human-first AI to support economic mobility, we want to hear from you.
Let’s shape the future of AI and the future of work, together.
