New group will support work applying AI to systemic challenges in education, learning, and workforce preparation; proposals can be submitted until March 25.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced a global request for proposals (RFP) for the next cohort of the program. IBM Impact Accelerator, The program focuses on using AI to transform education and develop the workforce. It invites non-profit and governmental organizations, including academic institutions, to collaborate with IBM in developing solutions that help people learn more effectively, navigate career transitions, and access the jobs needed to build economic resilience.
The gap between what people learn and what employers need is widening faster than institutions can adapt. As AI reshapes jobs and industries, workers are forced to upgrade their skills at an accelerated pace. New research from IBV The survey shows that 671,300 of the executives interviewed say that jobs are becoming more ephemeral and, by 2030, 571,300 predict that most of the current skills of employees will be obsolete. At the same time, the Pearson It is estimated that slow or unclear transitions between education and work cost the US economy about $1.1 trillion per year.
While millions of people are turning to online courses and certifications to remain competitive in the job market, many educational and vocational training institutions lack the data infrastructure, tools, and capacity needed to adapt at the same speed. Employers continue to face skills mismatches, learners struggle to understand which skills are most important, and public agencies often operate with limited resources, hindering modernization. This IBM Impact Accelerator initiative aims to address these challenges by supporting organizations working on solutions for how people learn, improve their skills, and find meaningful work amidst the rapid economic changes driven by AI.
“Education and workforce systems are under pressure to adapt faster than ever before, but many lack the necessary tools to do so,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, vice president and chief impact officer at IBM. “Through this global RFP, IBM is supporting organizations that use AI to bridge the gap between learning and work in real time, while strengthening the pathways that connect education to quality jobs.”
The new group will support work that applies AI to systemic challenges in teaching, learning, and workforce preparation. Potential projects may include AI-powered teaching and assessment tools, as well as personalized learning assistants and career guidance that support students at different stages. Areas of focus may encompass data platforms that connect students to real-world opportunities and simulation or governance environments that help educators and policymakers test and improve responsible AI practices, including predicting educational needs.
The selected organizations will receive a two-year pro bono grant for technology and implementation, which will include access to IBM offerings such as: IBM watsonx , Granite AI Models , IBM Cloud , IBM Quantum , Red Hat Open-source technologies, as well as support from IBM's ecosystem of researchers, designers, and consultants. The group will also benefit from the participation of EY, a strategic partner that shares IBM's commitment to promoting AI-based solutions for environmentally and economically vulnerable communities. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, government entities and state-owned enterprises, as well as public or private non-profit colleges and universities. Applicants must be able to work with IBM for a period of two years and develop projects in English.
The request for proposals (RFP) is now open. Proposals can be submitted through IBM. Portal for Submitting Proposals Applications are open until March 25, 2026. Full eligibility criteria, frequently asked questions, and application guidelines are available in the IBM Impact Accelerator for Education and Workforce Request for Proposals (RFP). Web page . Questions can be sent to impact.accelerator@ibm.com .
Launched in 2022, the IBM Impact Accelerator is a social innovation program that provides funding with IBM resources, including AI technology, hybrid cloud, and an ecosystem of experts, to enhance and scale government and nonprofit initiatives. In 2024, IBM announced A commitment to donate up to US$45 million in cash and in-kind, as well as technology and services, over five years to support populations facing environmental and economic threats worldwide. Including the most recent Supply chain modernization cohort The program supported 25 organizations, and their projects directly benefited approximately 2.5 million people in the areas of sustainable agriculture, clean energy, water resource management, and resilient cities.
About IBM
IBM is a leading global provider of hybrid cloud and AI solutions, as well as specialized consulting services. We help clients in more than 175 countries leverage insights from their data, optimize business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to drive their digital transformations quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM's groundbreaking innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting offer open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, accountability, inclusion, and service. Visit www.ibm.com For more information.
