Looking back on 2025, it’s clear the world of work is evolving faster than ever. AI is finally delivering on its potential, with applications that are transforming the way work gets done and eliminating many traditional entry-level jobs. So, what can we—policymakers, educators, business and community leaders, and parents—do to prepare our young people to succeed in this new era? These nonprofits are transforming youth career readiness for the next generation of changemakers.

American Student Assistance (ASA), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming youth career readiness through changing the way kids learn about careers and prepare for their futures, is taking on this challenge in collaboration with some amazing, mission-aligned organizations. Each year we award grants to youth-serving nonprofits who are piloting and scaling innovative programs and this year we were thrilled to award $8.48 million to 13 promising organizations. Here’s a glimpse into some of their exciting initiatives.

Transforming Youth Career Readiness: Helping Middle Schoolers with Career Planning

If you’ve read my previous columns, you know that ASA believes in beginning the career exploration process as early as middle school. Once teens get to high school, it’s often too late for them to sign up for the classes they need to pursue specific career pathways. Our nation’s schools have made progress introducing career exploration programs into middle schools, but there is more work that needs to be done.

To address this, we’ve awarded grants to two nonprofits transforming youth career readiness in Boston’s middle schools. EdVestors is working with Boston Public Schools to connect students’ MyCAP (My Career & Academic Plan) with secondary school options so middle schoolers can make more informed high school selections. And One Bead is providing school-based programs that help middle school students explore career paths, set goals, and navigate Boston’s education system.

Introducing Kids to High-Demand Careers

As the world of work continues to evolve, it’s a challenge to keep up with growing career fields and the skills or training needed for success. That’s where organizations like Codman Square Health Center and BioBuilder Educational Foundation come in, transforming youth career readiness. The former engages students as early as middle school with support and exposure to health care careers while the latter introduces kids to bioengineering through its afterschool BioBuilder Club. ASA’s grants will support the expansion of these initiatives, allowing more kids to explore high-demand jobs and build a talent pipeline for the future.

Read the full article about nonprofits transforming youth career readiness by Jean Eddy at Forbes.