Tag: 3BL

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

A safe, affordable home helps children, families and communities thrive. That’s why the U.S. Bank Community Possible program supports nonprofit organizations focused on creating stable, healthy home environments as part of its unified giving and employee engagement platform.

The U.S. Bank Foundation recently distributed more than $9 million in Community Possible grants to 400+ nonprofits. The grants go to organizations working to provide opportunities for people to work, live and play, and in addition to financial support, many of those nonprofits welcome U.S. Bank employees to volunteer in the communities they call home.

In Davenport, Iowa, U.S. Bank Business Card Consultant Kelly McCarthy lends her expertise to Humility Homes & Services, Inc. (HHSI) as a board member, first serving on the finance committee before moving to the capital campaign committee. The organization works with people in the Quad Cities area experiencing housing insecurity, with programs that help individuals and families with rapid rehousing, eviction prevention and access to affordable rental housing.

“It was eye-opening for me to learn about what Humility Homes & Services, Inc. does and the people it supports. I felt impelled and connected to its mission,” said McCarthy, who also joins local U.S. Bank employees to volunteer at the organization’s Corner Closet Donation Center, which provides clothing and household items to HHSI program participants.

HHSI also maintains more than 130 rental housing units for its clients, which include seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. A Community Possible grant helps the organization perform home energy audits and maintain repairs and upkeep to its properties, including installing ramps for tenants who use wheelchairs.

One tenant recently expressed his appreciation, noting “Since I have been in my chair for the last three months, I am mainly confined to the house. Without help getting off the porch, it is very difficult for me to do anything. With getting this ramp, it gives me freedom to do for myself. It’s like giving me my life back.”

“The impact U.S. Bank and the U.S. Bank Foundation have had on those who live in our affordable housing units isn’t defined just by the financial support received but rather is defined by the feelings tenants have knowing they have a safe, well-cared-for place to call home,” HHSI President and CEO Ashley Velez said. “Humility Homes & Services, Inc. cannot create a sense of community, safety and home for those who live in our units without the support of our community and business partners. We are also honored to have Kelly be a part of our board of directors and appreciate her vision and leadership.”

The Housing Fund (THF) in Nashville, Tennessee, also focuses on increasing access to affordable housing. As a community development financial institution (CDFI), THF provides capital, loans and tailored services to support low- to moderate-income communities.

“The Housing Fund aligns closely with the programs we champion, emphasizing economic development, wealth-building, and the provision of safe, affordable housing,” said Jeff Mills, U.S. Bank community affairs manager and a member of THF’s advisory board.

Nashville’s rapid population growth, rising property values and increasing taxes have made it more challenging for families with limited incomes to remain in their homes. THF addresses these challenges by offering funding for home rehabilitation projects that enhance health and safety, energy efficiency and accessibility.

In addition to financial assistance, homeowners participate in sessions on financial and estate planning so they can protect their estates for long-term stability and wealth creation. With support from a Community Possible grant, THF helps clients manage legal costs for essential activities such as creating wills or trusts, purchasing life insurance and building emergency funds.

“Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has the opportunity to live in a safe, sustainable, and affordable home. By pairing financial assistance with estate and financial planning resources, we’re helping homeowners protect their legacy and contribute to the strength of our neighborhoods,” said Marshall Crawford, president and CEO of THF.

The U.S. Bank Foundation provided more than $47 million in grants in 2024, which includes giving through the Community Possible program and the U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund.

U.S. Bank Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is funded primarily through contributions from U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates and subsidiaries. The Foundation’s mission is to close the gaps between people and possibility in the areas of work, home, and play.

The Opportunity Fund represents a financial commitment of the U.S. Bank Foundation; it is not a traditional equity fund, nor does it represent a form of ownership.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

A safe, affordable home helps children, families and communities thrive. That’s why the U.S. Bank Community Possible program supports nonprofit organizations focused on creating stable, healthy home environments as part of its unified giving and employee engagement platform.

The U.S. Bank Foundation recently distributed more than $9 million in Community Possible grants to 400+ nonprofits. The grants go to organizations working to provide opportunities for people to work, live and play, and in addition to financial support, many of those nonprofits welcome U.S. Bank employees to volunteer in the communities they call home.

In Davenport, Iowa, U.S. Bank Business Card Consultant Kelly McCarthy lends her expertise to Humility Homes & Services, Inc. (HHSI) as a board member, first serving on the finance committee before moving to the capital campaign committee. The organization works with people in the Quad Cities area experiencing housing insecurity, with programs that help individuals and families with rapid rehousing, eviction prevention and access to affordable rental housing.

“It was eye-opening for me to learn about what Humility Homes & Services, Inc. does and the people it supports. I felt impelled and connected to its mission,” said McCarthy, who also joins local U.S. Bank employees to volunteer at the organization’s Corner Closet Donation Center, which provides clothing and household items to HHSI program participants.

HHSI also maintains more than 130 rental housing units for its clients, which include seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. A Community Possible grant helps the organization perform home energy audits and maintain repairs and upkeep to its properties, including installing ramps for tenants who use wheelchairs.

One tenant recently expressed his appreciation, noting “Since I have been in my chair for the last three months, I am mainly confined to the house. Without help getting off the porch, it is very difficult for me to do anything. With getting this ramp, it gives me freedom to do for myself. It’s like giving me my life back.”

“The impact U.S. Bank and the U.S. Bank Foundation have had on those who live in our affordable housing units isn’t defined just by the financial support received but rather is defined by the feelings tenants have knowing they have a safe, well-cared-for place to call home,” HHSI President and CEO Ashley Velez said. “Humility Homes & Services, Inc. cannot create a sense of community, safety and home for those who live in our units without the support of our community and business partners. We are also honored to have Kelly be a part of our board of directors and appreciate her vision and leadership.”

The Housing Fund (THF) in Nashville, Tennessee, also focuses on increasing access to affordable housing. As a community development financial institution (CDFI), THF provides capital, loans and tailored services to support low- to moderate-income communities.

“The Housing Fund aligns closely with the programs we champion, emphasizing economic development, wealth-building, and the provision of safe, affordable housing,” said Jeff Mills, U.S. Bank community affairs manager and a member of THF’s advisory board.

Nashville’s rapid population growth, rising property values and increasing taxes have made it more challenging for families with limited incomes to remain in their homes. THF addresses these challenges by offering funding for home rehabilitation projects that enhance health and safety, energy efficiency and accessibility.

In addition to financial assistance, homeowners participate in sessions on financial and estate planning so they can protect their estates for long-term stability and wealth creation. With support from a Community Possible grant, THF helps clients manage legal costs for essential activities such as creating wills or trusts, purchasing life insurance and building emergency funds.

“Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has the opportunity to live in a safe, sustainable, and affordable home. By pairing financial assistance with estate and financial planning resources, we’re helping homeowners protect their legacy and contribute to the strength of our neighborhoods,” said Marshall Crawford, president and CEO of THF.

The U.S. Bank Foundation provided more than $47 million in grants in 2024, which includes giving through the Community Possible program and the U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund.

U.S. Bank Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is funded primarily through contributions from U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates and subsidiaries. The Foundation’s mission is to close the gaps between people and possibility in the areas of work, home, and play.

The Opportunity Fund represents a financial commitment of the U.S. Bank Foundation; it is not a traditional equity fund, nor does it represent a form of ownership.

AbleEdge home energy management system transforms electric vehicle batteries into energy assets to keep power on and reduce energy spend Eaton delivers industry-leading interoperability and cybersecurity, advancing vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid technologies to be used with any DER Collaboration with Treehouse enables high-quality, cost-effective electrification programs at scale for automotive OEMs, utilities and hardware manufacturers

CLEVELAND – Intelligent power management company Eaton is demonstrating broad capabilities to keep the power on at home while helping minimize infrastructure upgrades to utility and home energy systems. The company’s AbleEdgeTM home energy management system provides the foundational technology required to leverage any onsite distributed energy resource (DER) to power homes. Eaton is working with leading automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), energy storage and solar providers to create interoperable and cost-effective approaches ready to support vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) today and into the future. 

The average U.S. home experiences about five and a half hours without electricity per year. V2H technology can bridge that gap, keeping the power on via use of an electric vehicle (EV) battery for 10 to 20 hours for most homes, depending on the season, battery capacity and home size. Eaton is uniquely positioned to accelerate V2H and V2G-ready solutions with its longtime experience and industry-leading solutions to safely manage power in homes, vehicles and on the grid. Already, Eaton has demonstrated its ability to support V2G programs with utilities and automotive OEMs.

“EV batteries present an enormous opportunity to enable home energy systems that work smarter, harder and more effectively — keeping the power on and reducing home energy costs,” said Paul Ryan, general manager of Connected Solutions and EV Charging at Eaton. “We’re delivering the breakout technology and industry collaborations needed so that homeowners can power their homes in new ways, while minimizing infrastructure investment and managing future updates through interoperability with onsite energy sources.” 

Eaton is applying its Home as a Grid approach, which simplifies the energy transition and is designed for interoperability and cybersecurity to safely and effectively enable V2H. In North America, the AbleEdge home energy management system can pair EV batteries as well as solar and energy storage with residential electrical systems to provide power during grid outages and peak demand times. Eaton’s technologies streamline the process of incorporating DERs for homeowners by avoiding costly electric panel and service upgrades that can take weeks to complete – delivering significant cost and time savings. The company is expediting installations through its collaboration with Treehouse, which is providing consumers with fast, accurate pricing and end-to-end installation capabilities with licensed electricians.

Eaton is also facilitating power distribution and protection within electric vehicles by utilizing industry-leading technologies that safeguard and manage power, particularly during the charging process. Eaton recently announced its partnership with Munich Electrification to develop and market its battery configuration switch (BCS), which enables more flexibility in EV charging options, reduces equipment count and enhances performance. 

The company is showcasing how its solutions support more resilient, sustainable and affordable power for homes, vehicles, buildings, factories, data centers and on the grid at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Eaton experts will be speaking at conference panel sessions: 

Sankaran Subramaniam, Ph.D, will explore AI at the Edge: Transforming Industries and the Workplace on January 7 at 2 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Level 2, N261Mark Kelly will address The Energy Infrastructure of the Future on January 9 at 9 a.m. in the LVCC, North Level 2, N261John Krzeszewski will participate in the Automotive Cybersecurity Revs Up session on January 9 at 9 a.m. in the LVCC, West Level 2, W219 

Eaton solutions can be experienced during CES 2025 at booth 10341 in the North Hall. Learn more about Eaton at CES 2025. 

Eaton is also demonstrating its V2H capabilities at its Pittsburgh Experience Center, where visitors can interact with Eaton’s end-to-end electrical solutions across applications. Eaton Experience Centers provide real-world application environments for experiential learning where electrical contractors, automotive OEMs, utilities, builders and other industry professionals can see innovative technologies at work. Each year, thousands of industry partners, customers, students and media visit Eaton campuses to learn about the solutions powering energy systems everywhere. Learn more and visit Eaton Experience Centers. 

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come. 

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit Eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:
Kristin Somers
+1.919.345.3714
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik 
Cobblestone Communications
+1.412.559.1614
Regina@cobblecreative.com 

###

AbleEdge home energy management system transforms electric vehicle batteries into energy assets to keep power on and reduce energy spend Eaton delivers industry-leading interoperability and cybersecurity, advancing vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid technologies to be used with any DER Collaboration with Treehouse enables high-quality, cost-effective electrification programs at scale for automotive OEMs, utilities and hardware manufacturers

CLEVELAND – Intelligent power management company Eaton is demonstrating broad capabilities to keep the power on at home while helping minimize infrastructure upgrades to utility and home energy systems. The company’s AbleEdgeTM home energy management system provides the foundational technology required to leverage any onsite distributed energy resource (DER) to power homes. Eaton is working with leading automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), energy storage and solar providers to create interoperable and cost-effective approaches ready to support vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) today and into the future. 

The average U.S. home experiences about five and a half hours without electricity per year. V2H technology can bridge that gap, keeping the power on via use of an electric vehicle (EV) battery for 10 to 20 hours for most homes, depending on the season, battery capacity and home size. Eaton is uniquely positioned to accelerate V2H and V2G-ready solutions with its longtime experience and industry-leading solutions to safely manage power in homes, vehicles and on the grid. Already, Eaton has demonstrated its ability to support V2G programs with utilities and automotive OEMs.

“EV batteries present an enormous opportunity to enable home energy systems that work smarter, harder and more effectively — keeping the power on and reducing home energy costs,” said Paul Ryan, general manager of Connected Solutions and EV Charging at Eaton. “We’re delivering the breakout technology and industry collaborations needed so that homeowners can power their homes in new ways, while minimizing infrastructure investment and managing future updates through interoperability with onsite energy sources.” 

Eaton is applying its Home as a Grid approach, which simplifies the energy transition and is designed for interoperability and cybersecurity to safely and effectively enable V2H. In North America, the AbleEdge home energy management system can pair EV batteries as well as solar and energy storage with residential electrical systems to provide power during grid outages and peak demand times. Eaton’s technologies streamline the process of incorporating DERs for homeowners by avoiding costly electric panel and service upgrades that can take weeks to complete – delivering significant cost and time savings. The company is expediting installations through its collaboration with Treehouse, which is providing consumers with fast, accurate pricing and end-to-end installation capabilities with licensed electricians.

Eaton is also facilitating power distribution and protection within electric vehicles by utilizing industry-leading technologies that safeguard and manage power, particularly during the charging process. Eaton recently announced its partnership with Munich Electrification to develop and market its battery configuration switch (BCS), which enables more flexibility in EV charging options, reduces equipment count and enhances performance. 

The company is showcasing how its solutions support more resilient, sustainable and affordable power for homes, vehicles, buildings, factories, data centers and on the grid at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Eaton experts will be speaking at conference panel sessions: 

Sankaran Subramaniam, Ph.D, will explore AI at the Edge: Transforming Industries and the Workplace on January 7 at 2 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Level 2, N261Mark Kelly will address The Energy Infrastructure of the Future on January 9 at 9 a.m. in the LVCC, North Level 2, N261John Krzeszewski will participate in the Automotive Cybersecurity Revs Up session on January 9 at 9 a.m. in the LVCC, West Level 2, W219 

Eaton solutions can be experienced during CES 2025 at booth 10341 in the North Hall. Learn more about Eaton at CES 2025. 

Eaton is also demonstrating its V2H capabilities at its Pittsburgh Experience Center, where visitors can interact with Eaton’s end-to-end electrical solutions across applications. Eaton Experience Centers provide real-world application environments for experiential learning where electrical contractors, automotive OEMs, utilities, builders and other industry professionals can see innovative technologies at work. Each year, thousands of industry partners, customers, students and media visit Eaton campuses to learn about the solutions powering energy systems everywhere. Learn more and visit Eaton Experience Centers. 

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come. 

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit Eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:
Kristin Somers
+1.919.345.3714
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik 
Cobblestone Communications
+1.412.559.1614
Regina@cobblecreative.com 

###

Webster Bank, together with Associates for Human Services’ Taunton Area School to Career (TASC), program, recently celebrated the opening of the Webster Bank/TASC Finance Lab, a program created to provide local students the skills needed for financial empowerment and future financial well-being. The program, the first collaboration in Massachusetts, is funded by a $100,000 grant from Webster, a continuation of the $1.7 million the Bank has invested into Finance Labs throughout its footprint.

The Webster/TASC Finance Lab is part of a signature initiative designed to help Webster’s partners in low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities expand financial empowerment and improve financial literacy for youth. The grant funds for TASC will be used to promote financial literacy throughout all programming including internships, mentorship programs and programs for students with disabilities and special education services. AHS’s TASC is also hosting a day-long event on financial literacy and preparedness for up to 200 students scheduled for March 2025.

“We are proud to partner with Taunton Area School to Career to open our first Finance Lab in Massachusetts,” said Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank. “Webster is committed to investing in programs that broaden financial empowerment opportunities, and supporting our commitment to creating economic vitality in the neighborhoods where we live and work.”

Earlier this year, Webster celebrated the opening of Finance Labs with partners in Hartford and Waterbury, Connecticut. The Bank recently announced three new partnerships with nonprofits in Providence, Rhode Island, Dorchester, Massachusetts and on Long Island, New York.

“TASC has worked to empower youth to succeed by building bridges to businesses and higher education opportunities. The program is dependent on state funding which is inconsistent year to year. This grant has enabled us to keep staff and focus on continuing to build these bridges and empower students from all walks of life and abilities to be the best they can be,” said Zulmira Allcock, President and CEO of Associates for Human Services.

Local and state dignitaries including Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and TASC participant Brianna Gomes joined Webster leaders to officially open the program. Program participants also will engage in hands-on learning opportunities including internships and financial literacy workshops with volunteers from Webster Bank.

About Webster

Webster Bank (“Webster”) is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and Healthcare Financial Services, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits and administration of medical insurance claim settlements solutions. Webster is a values-driven organization headquartered in Stamford, CT, with $77 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.

Contact Information

Media Contact:
Alice Ferreira
acferreira@websterbank.com
203-578-2610

Investor Contact:
Emlen Harmon
eharmon@websterbank.com
212-309-7646

View original content here.

Webster Bank, together with Associates for Human Services’ Taunton Area School to Career (TASC), program, recently celebrated the opening of the Webster Bank/TASC Finance Lab, a program created to provide local students the skills needed for financial empowerment and future financial well-being. The program, the first collaboration in Massachusetts, is funded by a $100,000 grant from Webster, a continuation of the $1.7 million the Bank has invested into Finance Labs throughout its footprint.

The Webster/TASC Finance Lab is part of a signature initiative designed to help Webster’s partners in low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities expand financial empowerment and improve financial literacy for youth. The grant funds for TASC will be used to promote financial literacy throughout all programming including internships, mentorship programs and programs for students with disabilities and special education services. AHS’s TASC is also hosting a day-long event on financial literacy and preparedness for up to 200 students scheduled for March 2025.

“We are proud to partner with Taunton Area School to Career to open our first Finance Lab in Massachusetts,” said Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank. “Webster is committed to investing in programs that broaden financial empowerment opportunities, and supporting our commitment to creating economic vitality in the neighborhoods where we live and work.”

Earlier this year, Webster celebrated the opening of Finance Labs with partners in Hartford and Waterbury, Connecticut. The Bank recently announced three new partnerships with nonprofits in Providence, Rhode Island, Dorchester, Massachusetts and on Long Island, New York.

“TASC has worked to empower youth to succeed by building bridges to businesses and higher education opportunities. The program is dependent on state funding which is inconsistent year to year. This grant has enabled us to keep staff and focus on continuing to build these bridges and empower students from all walks of life and abilities to be the best they can be,” said Zulmira Allcock, President and CEO of Associates for Human Services.

Local and state dignitaries including Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and TASC participant Brianna Gomes joined Webster leaders to officially open the program. Program participants also will engage in hands-on learning opportunities including internships and financial literacy workshops with volunteers from Webster Bank.

About Webster

Webster Bank (“Webster”) is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and Healthcare Financial Services, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits and administration of medical insurance claim settlements solutions. Webster is a values-driven organization headquartered in Stamford, CT, with $77 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.

Contact Information

Media Contact:
Alice Ferreira
acferreira@websterbank.com
203-578-2610

Investor Contact:
Emlen Harmon
eharmon@websterbank.com
212-309-7646

View original content here.

2024 was a remarkable year for the growth of AI and its impact on everything from work to education and even our personal lives. In my role leading IBM’s social impact programs around the world, I have the opportunity to speak with education leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and policymakers. In these conversations, I continue to hear that AI is transforming industries across communities.

Most recently, I spoke with leaders across art, beauty, culture, fashion and media to learn how AI is already transforming their industries. My team at IBM has been very focused on how we use AI to support our communities effectively. At the same time, we are also committed to upskilling and reskilling learners, wherever they are on their AI journey. But how are professionals across other fields approaching this new technology? There’s an exciting groundswell of creators exploring how they can use AI, from testing new applications for their work to automating the administrative tasks that impede their creative process. I’ve included some of their insights for you to reflect upon. It’s clear that the human element remains core to their work. At the same time, their stories provide a glimpse into how AI is beginning to free up their time, helping them focus on what they do best.

This trend is common across industries. A new report from IBM reveals that 87% of executives expect jobs to be augmented rather than replaced by generative AI. As for the human element, the challenge today is that about half (47%) of executives say their people lack the knowledge and skills to effectively implement and scale AI across the enterprise. The answer is that we need to invest in education and upskilling to fully reap the benefits of AI. People are crucial to this effort.

With that in mind, here are IBM’s three predictions for education in 2025, and the skills we need to build now to prepare.

1. AI ethics skills will be key

In education, we expect the start of a shift from traditional AI tools to AI agents. At the same time, the mainstream use of AI technology with ChatGPT and OpenAI has increased the potential risk of shadow AI. These two phenomena highlight the importance of accountability, data and IT policies, along with the control of autonomous systems. This is particularly crucial for education providers, because we think there will be greater attention paid to the AI guardrails and processes. To be prepared, educators, students and decision makers at all levels need to be upskilled in AI, with a focus on AI ethics and data management.

During our recent conversation, Miles Hicks, Brand Marketing and Storytelling for the Brooklyn Museum said, “We want to find ways to apply AI with integrity, so we can feel good about the work that is being produced. Critical thinking is key. We live in a world with information overload and learning how to become discerning is one of the most important lessons as a professional.”

I totally agree, and IBM SkillsBuild offers a course at no cost to help you build these skills: help you build these skills:

(1 hour 45 minutes): In this course, you’ll explore the five pillars of AI ethics—fairness, robustness, explainability, transparency and privacy—through real-world examples, learning their importance in creating trustworthy AI systems.

2. Lifelong learning will be the new normal

This may not be a radical prediction, but I think it’s a crucial and often-overlooked component of how we must approach education and upskilling. The marketplace is going to change quickly over the coming years, and the demand for individuals prepared to take on future jobs will increase. Employees who have been trained as individual contributors may soon become managers of AI agents, which would require new AI skills. The growth of AI agents, the future use of quantum computing and the increase in cyberthreats will make this transformation pervasive. Upskilling won’t end with AI. The immediate need is for AI skills, but there will soon be a growing demand for quantum skills, alongside an enduring demand for cybersecurity skills. Lifelong learning is essential for people who want to remain competitive in the job market.

Katini Yamaoka, Founder and CEO of Katina Skin, highlighted the need for AI skills in her beauty company: “Once you start a business, you need to build your customer base and you really need to dive deep to figure out who they are, what are their concerns, and what are they looking for. AI has been incredible for uncovering that.”

No matter where you are in your career journey—whether you want to start a business or augment your work—you need AI today. I recently spoke with Jamauri Bynum-Bridgewater, a newly graduated student who credits his role at a Fortune 500 company to the AI digital credentials he earned through IBM SkillsBuild. Examples such as these are why IBM is committed to training 2 million learners in AI by 2026. A couple of our most popular courses are a great place to begin:

Introduction to artificial intelligence (1 hour 15 minutes): In under a century, AI has transformed data analysis and autonomous learning. This course covers its history and role in unlocking insights from unstructured data.

Mastering the art of prompt writing (1 hour): This hands-on course teaches how to write effective prompts for AI language models, such as creating prompts for travel itineraries and custom music playlists.

3. AI will be infused into education platforms

AI and automation are poised to become a competitive advantage for education platforms and systems. I think we’re going to start seeing an increased use of AI across learning platforms, offering simplified explanations of topics and personalized learning pathways. We’re already putting AI to work to enhance IBM SkillsBuild for our learners. For example, we’ve used AI to analyze feedback from more than 60,000 learners in 47 languages, which has helped us simplify processes such as online-learning registration. There are so many applications for AI in the education system, and we can really make a difference if we share our knowledge as we apply the technology to each new area.

Breanna Young, Senior Product Designer at Hearst said, “It’s up to us to share knowledge with one another across our communities as we explore uses of AI.”

I agree that this is a vital edict, and I will continue to share my knowledge as we further integrate AI into the IBM SkillsBuild online platform. If you’d like to learn more about how AI can enhance education offerings, I’d recommend this course:

Artificial intelligence in practice (40 minutes): From communicating with chatbots to piloting self-driving cars and addressing complex global problems, AI is solving problems everywhere.

Start learning today

We need to invest in our own skills to make the most of what AI has to offer. As Katini noted in our conversation, “AI is here to enhance our lives, but we still have to do the groundwork and build the foundation.”

There’s no better time to start than now. Miles summed it up nicely: “Be a student. Be open to lifelong learning. We shouldn’t be too afraid or too prideful to take a one-hour course.”

With that in mind, the courses I’ve suggested are each two hours or less in duration and are designed for individuals at all experience levels. Explore these courses to help build the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven world.

Explore IBM SkillsBuild to learn more about the additional AI courses we offer

2024 was a remarkable year for the growth of AI and its impact on everything from work to education and even our personal lives. In my role leading IBM’s social impact programs around the world, I have the opportunity to speak with education leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and policymakers. In these conversations, I continue to hear that AI is transforming industries across communities.

Most recently, I spoke with leaders across art, beauty, culture, fashion and media to learn how AI is already transforming their industries. My team at IBM has been very focused on how we use AI to support our communities effectively. At the same time, we are also committed to upskilling and reskilling learners, wherever they are on their AI journey. But how are professionals across other fields approaching this new technology? There’s an exciting groundswell of creators exploring how they can use AI, from testing new applications for their work to automating the administrative tasks that impede their creative process. I’ve included some of their insights for you to reflect upon. It’s clear that the human element remains core to their work. At the same time, their stories provide a glimpse into how AI is beginning to free up their time, helping them focus on what they do best.

This trend is common across industries. A new report from IBM reveals that 87% of executives expect jobs to be augmented rather than replaced by generative AI. As for the human element, the challenge today is that about half (47%) of executives say their people lack the knowledge and skills to effectively implement and scale AI across the enterprise. The answer is that we need to invest in education and upskilling to fully reap the benefits of AI. People are crucial to this effort.

With that in mind, here are IBM’s three predictions for education in 2025, and the skills we need to build now to prepare.

1. AI ethics skills will be key

In education, we expect the start of a shift from traditional AI tools to AI agents. At the same time, the mainstream use of AI technology with ChatGPT and OpenAI has increased the potential risk of shadow AI. These two phenomena highlight the importance of accountability, data and IT policies, along with the control of autonomous systems. This is particularly crucial for education providers, because we think there will be greater attention paid to the AI guardrails and processes. To be prepared, educators, students and decision makers at all levels need to be upskilled in AI, with a focus on AI ethics and data management.

During our recent conversation, Miles Hicks, Brand Marketing and Storytelling for the Brooklyn Museum said, “We want to find ways to apply AI with integrity, so we can feel good about the work that is being produced. Critical thinking is key. We live in a world with information overload and learning how to become discerning is one of the most important lessons as a professional.”

I totally agree, and IBM SkillsBuild offers a course at no cost to help you build these skills: help you build these skills:

(1 hour 45 minutes): In this course, you’ll explore the five pillars of AI ethics—fairness, robustness, explainability, transparency and privacy—through real-world examples, learning their importance in creating trustworthy AI systems.

2. Lifelong learning will be the new normal

This may not be a radical prediction, but I think it’s a crucial and often-overlooked component of how we must approach education and upskilling. The marketplace is going to change quickly over the coming years, and the demand for individuals prepared to take on future jobs will increase. Employees who have been trained as individual contributors may soon become managers of AI agents, which would require new AI skills. The growth of AI agents, the future use of quantum computing and the increase in cyberthreats will make this transformation pervasive. Upskilling won’t end with AI. The immediate need is for AI skills, but there will soon be a growing demand for quantum skills, alongside an enduring demand for cybersecurity skills. Lifelong learning is essential for people who want to remain competitive in the job market.

Katini Yamaoka, Founder and CEO of Katina Skin, highlighted the need for AI skills in her beauty company: “Once you start a business, you need to build your customer base and you really need to dive deep to figure out who they are, what are their concerns, and what are they looking for. AI has been incredible for uncovering that.”

No matter where you are in your career journey—whether you want to start a business or augment your work—you need AI today. I recently spoke with Jamauri Bynum-Bridgewater, a newly graduated student who credits his role at a Fortune 500 company to the AI digital credentials he earned through IBM SkillsBuild. Examples such as these are why IBM is committed to training 2 million learners in AI by 2026. A couple of our most popular courses are a great place to begin:

Introduction to artificial intelligence (1 hour 15 minutes): In under a century, AI has transformed data analysis and autonomous learning. This course covers its history and role in unlocking insights from unstructured data.

Mastering the art of prompt writing (1 hour): This hands-on course teaches how to write effective prompts for AI language models, such as creating prompts for travel itineraries and custom music playlists.

3. AI will be infused into education platforms

AI and automation are poised to become a competitive advantage for education platforms and systems. I think we’re going to start seeing an increased use of AI across learning platforms, offering simplified explanations of topics and personalized learning pathways. We’re already putting AI to work to enhance IBM SkillsBuild for our learners. For example, we’ve used AI to analyze feedback from more than 60,000 learners in 47 languages, which has helped us simplify processes such as online-learning registration. There are so many applications for AI in the education system, and we can really make a difference if we share our knowledge as we apply the technology to each new area.

Breanna Young, Senior Product Designer at Hearst said, “It’s up to us to share knowledge with one another across our communities as we explore uses of AI.”

I agree that this is a vital edict, and I will continue to share my knowledge as we further integrate AI into the IBM SkillsBuild online platform. If you’d like to learn more about how AI can enhance education offerings, I’d recommend this course:

Artificial intelligence in practice (40 minutes): From communicating with chatbots to piloting self-driving cars and addressing complex global problems, AI is solving problems everywhere.

Start learning today

We need to invest in our own skills to make the most of what AI has to offer. As Katini noted in our conversation, “AI is here to enhance our lives, but we still have to do the groundwork and build the foundation.”

There’s no better time to start than now. Miles summed it up nicely: “Be a student. Be open to lifelong learning. We shouldn’t be too afraid or too prideful to take a one-hour course.”

With that in mind, the courses I’ve suggested are each two hours or less in duration and are designed for individuals at all experience levels. Explore these courses to help build the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven world.

Explore IBM SkillsBuild to learn more about the additional AI courses we offer

Way Finders, Inc. of Springfield MA recently received a grant from KeyBank Foundation for $10,000 to implement its Ready to Work: My Story, My Goals program, which provides employment readiness resources to unemployed and underemployed residents in Hamden County.

KeyBank’s funding enables Way Finders to provide a six-week employment readiness course consisting of in-class instruction and one-to-one support for up to 15 low- to moderate-income residents with limited or no documented work experience.

“Taking the first step on the journey to employment can be intimidating, especially if you are missing important things like a valid ID, a resume, interview clothes, or the ability to access and use the internet,” says Bea Dewberry, Director of Community Building and Engagement at Way Finders. “This KeyBank funding allows us to work hand-in-hand with Holyoke and Springfield residents, helping them ready themselves for employment, and ultimately securing a more stable future for themselves and their families.” 

Participants reflect the diversity of Holyoke’s and Springfield’s underserved neighborhoods, where 35% to 80% of the residents identify as people of color and/or Latino/Latina. At the conclusion of the program, each participant will have a resume and cover letter, understand how to translate their life experiences into marketable skills, improve their digital literacy skills, conduct a job search and complete an application, and understand area resources and programs that can provide additional and/or ongoing employment support. 

Way Finders knows this approach works – as noted by a program participant who recently re-entered the workforce. “It’s OK to put your guard down. It’s OK to ask for help. At Way Finders, I feel like my voice was heard, and I’m really grateful.”

“KeyBank is proud to support Way Finder’s Ready to Work program, as it aligns with our commitment to helping individuals achieve financial stability and independence,” said Matthew Hummel, KeyBank Market President and Regional Commercial Banking Executive for Connecticut and Massachusetts. “By investing in workforce development, we aim to empower local residents with the skills and resources needed to sustain employment, obtain affordable housing, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.”

KeyBank Foundation grants are part of a $40 billion commitment for lending and investments across Key’s national footprint established in 2017 and supporting affordable housing and community development projects, home, and small business lending in low- and-moderate income communities, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.Key.com/Foundation.

About Way Finders: 
Way Finders is a nonprofit community development corporation, headquartered in Springfield, MA, working to strengthen housing stability and economic mobility and build thriving neighborhoods throughout western Massachusetts. Way Finders is the largest nonprofit housing developer in the region and has created over 1200 units of affordable housing in Hampden and Hampshire Counties. Way Finders also offers first time homebuyer classes, resident leadership training, family homeless shelters, fair housing counseling, and much more. Visit www.wayfinders.org to learn more.

About KeyBank Foundation: 
KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through three funding priorities – neighbors, education, and workforce – and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.

Way Finders, Inc. of Springfield MA recently received a grant from KeyBank Foundation for $10,000 to implement its Ready to Work: My Story, My Goals program, which provides employment readiness resources to unemployed and underemployed residents in Hamden County.

KeyBank’s funding enables Way Finders to provide a six-week employment readiness course consisting of in-class instruction and one-to-one support for up to 15 low- to moderate-income residents with limited or no documented work experience.

“Taking the first step on the journey to employment can be intimidating, especially if you are missing important things like a valid ID, a resume, interview clothes, or the ability to access and use the internet,” says Bea Dewberry, Director of Community Building and Engagement at Way Finders. “This KeyBank funding allows us to work hand-in-hand with Holyoke and Springfield residents, helping them ready themselves for employment, and ultimately securing a more stable future for themselves and their families.” 

Participants reflect the diversity of Holyoke’s and Springfield’s underserved neighborhoods, where 35% to 80% of the residents identify as people of color and/or Latino/Latina. At the conclusion of the program, each participant will have a resume and cover letter, understand how to translate their life experiences into marketable skills, improve their digital literacy skills, conduct a job search and complete an application, and understand area resources and programs that can provide additional and/or ongoing employment support. 

Way Finders knows this approach works – as noted by a program participant who recently re-entered the workforce. “It’s OK to put your guard down. It’s OK to ask for help. At Way Finders, I feel like my voice was heard, and I’m really grateful.”

“KeyBank is proud to support Way Finder’s Ready to Work program, as it aligns with our commitment to helping individuals achieve financial stability and independence,” said Matthew Hummel, KeyBank Market President and Regional Commercial Banking Executive for Connecticut and Massachusetts. “By investing in workforce development, we aim to empower local residents with the skills and resources needed to sustain employment, obtain affordable housing, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.”

KeyBank Foundation grants are part of a $40 billion commitment for lending and investments across Key’s national footprint established in 2017 and supporting affordable housing and community development projects, home, and small business lending in low- and-moderate income communities, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.Key.com/Foundation.

About Way Finders: 
Way Finders is a nonprofit community development corporation, headquartered in Springfield, MA, working to strengthen housing stability and economic mobility and build thriving neighborhoods throughout western Massachusetts. Way Finders is the largest nonprofit housing developer in the region and has created over 1200 units of affordable housing in Hampden and Hampshire Counties. Way Finders also offers first time homebuyer classes, resident leadership training, family homeless shelters, fair housing counseling, and much more. Visit www.wayfinders.org to learn more.

About KeyBank Foundation: 
KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through three funding priorities – neighbors, education, and workforce – and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.