It's Time to SkillUP with AI Tools: Exploring a Coalition Fostering Innovative Non-Degree Career Pathways

Nondegree pathways are often the only option for tens of millions of people looking to advance in their careers or start a career. But can advances in learning technology, including AI, provide the timely and robust help that they need? As explained in this Video,  ***Evaluating AI Tools to Better Support Clients*** (4-5 minutes), this episode of Silver Lining for Learning (SLL) will explore an innovative partnership between between SkillUp and the MRDC. In particular, in Episode #285 of SLL, we will have Steve Lee, chief executive officer of the SkillUp Coalition, and Richard Hendra, director of MDRC’s Center for Data Insights, reflect on their partnership to evaluate the research that they have conducted on a career navigation chatbot. As Steve and Richard will note, artificial intelligence is not a universal remedy for every educational or work-related situation. Notably, traditional solutions like human assistance or spreadsheets often prove more effective depending on the specific challenge.  The collaboration between SkillUp and MDRC, mentioned above, demonstrated this dynamic when evaluating a career navigation platform designed to help low-wage workers navigate complex education and employment options. Interestingly, initial performance metrics revealed that the original AI chatbot performed poorly, actually leaving users worse off than standard methods. This critical feedback empowered the organization to redesign the AI product, resulting in an upgraded experience that significantly outperformed traditional approaches. Ultimately, this collaboration highlights the importance of rigorous testing, robust data infrastructure, and direct partnerships to ensure that \*\*emerging technology\** genuinely serves people rather than acting as a mere novelty. The missions of SkillUp and MRDC are below along with the relevant Web resources. **SkillUp Mission**: “SkillUp Coalition is a nonprofit that helps individuals secure high-opportunity employment. We focus on non-degree career pathways that provide livable wages and support the job-seeker from start to finish!” **MDRC Mission**: “MDRC develops evidence about solutions to some of the nation’s most difficult problems. Explore our projects and variety of products, including publications, videos, podcast episodes, and resources for researchers and practitioners…." **More on MRDC: "**Drawing on 50 years of on-the-ground experience and a deep understanding of what works, we help organizations build new evidence, use existing evidence, and harness data to advance their goals. Through collaborative partnerships, MDRC is helping nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies, and foundations build new evidence, use existing evidence, and harness data to advance their goals." **Resources:** - SkillUp: https://skillup.org/ - MRDC: https://www.mdrc.org/ - MRDC: https://www.mdrc.org/services/evidence-to-practice - YouTube Video: Evaluating AI Tools to Better Support Clients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud2Q0A1Hw1M **Steve Lee** serves as the CEO of the SkillUp Coalition, a non-profit technology platform whose vision is to end income inequality and intergenerational poverty by connecting vulnerable workers to in-demand careers through comprehensive re-skilling pathways. Since launching in July 2020, SkillUp has connected over 5 million workers without a college degree to career, training, and job support nationwide. In Steve’s earlier career, he was a corporate lawyer at O’Melveny & Myers LLP prior to founding and leading an Internet-based educational software company - ThreeToEight - to a successful exit. He subsequently worked at Bain & Company as an Associate Partner, before shifting to the social sector as Managing Director, Economic Security at the Robin Hood Foundation, and later the SkillUp Coalition. Steve is a Mentor at Techstars; a Senior Advisor at MIT Solve, the Jain Family Institute, Making Space, Sparc, Leap Fund, and United Way of Philadelphia; and a Board Member at Upsolve, FinTech4Good, and NYN Media. Steve achieved both his BA and JD from Duke University, and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. Steve lives in New York City with his amazing wife and family, and is an avid sports fan (sadly, of New York teams). Steve also loves Calvin & Hobbes, The Wire, grunge music (and yes, BTS). **Dr. Richard Hendra** is a national leader in applying advanced data analytics, program evaluation, and artificial intelligence to transform social programs and improve economic mobility outcomes. As founding director of the Center for Data Insights at MDRC, he helps develop innovative approaches to help government agencies and organizations use data more effectively to serve communities in need. His work spans the full spectrum of economic opportunity - from early education and workforce development to housing stability and emergency preparedness. Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org