Building an AI-Ready Workforce Through Digital Inclusion

By Mitch Coppes, Federal Government Affairs Manager, Goodwill Industries International

This week is National Digital Inclusion Week 2026, an annual event that spotlights the importance of digital equity and advances essential digital skills, digital literacy and affordable internet access for people who need them most. Goodwill® is well-positioned to demonstrate all three elements of the 2026 Digital Inclusion Week theme,“Sustain, Empower, Evolve: Building a Brighter Digital Future,” through its workforce development mission, digital skills programs, and digital equity advocacy.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes workforce demands, workers need foundational digital skills to participate fully in the digital economy. Those skills increasingly include AI literacy and the ability to understand, use and adapt to AI tools in the workplace.

Goodwill is working to build a digitally resilient, literate and skilled workforce for the future. Across the Goodwill network, local organizations help people gain the skills and support they need to pursue employment, advance in their careers and respond to changing employer expectations. Partnerships with public- and private-sector stakeholders strengthen this work and expand access to opportunity.

Through a new partnership with Verizon, Goodwill Industries International (GII) will help pilot and test Verizon AI Skills for America, a workforce development platform that brings together training from leading AI experts at no cost to participants. The initiative will engage 18 local Goodwill organizations to enroll and support learners as they build practical AI skills.

“As the largest nonprofit network providing career training and support services across the U.S. and Canada, Goodwill understands what employers and job seekers are looking for,” said Steve Preston, president and CEO of GII. “Partnering with Verizon allows us to help people build practical AI skills through their local Goodwill, so they’re set up for success as work continues to evolve.”

Goodwill is a trusted community partner and stands ready to help ensure that all Americans can benefit from an AI-enabled economy. By providing equitable learning opportunities in communities across the country, Goodwill and its partners are helping workers build the skills they need to adapt, grow and succeed in the future of work.