New partners will help expand training, employer-led pilots and support for workers changing jobs as the nonprofit pursues a $1 billion funding goal
RAISE US is developing training, apprenticeships and job-transition support as multi-year funding commitments exceed $735 million. Illustrative image: supplied
RAISE US has secured more than $735 million in multi-year commitments after Apple, AT&T, the Bezos family, Google and Walmart joined its effort to help American workers navigate changes brought by AI.
The national nonprofit is working toward a $1 billion funding goal to develop training, connect people with employment and test policies that support workers through job transitions.
Led by CEO and Co-Chair Gina Raimondo and Co-Chair Eric Holcomb, RAISE US brings together employers, educators, labor organizations and governors from both parties. Raimondo is a former US Secretary of Commerce and Governor of Rhode Island, while Holcomb is a former Governor of Indiana.
RAISE US outlined its next steps on LinkedIn: “We are rapidly moving from commitments to action. This new funding directly accelerates our efforts.”
Four states test routes into training and employment
RAISE US is working with Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland and Utah to test approaches to skills development, career navigation and workforce support.
In Arkansas, the organization is supporting Arkansas LAUNCH, a state-developed AI-powered platform that connects students and jobseekers with personalized learning and career opportunities linked to employers.
In Maryland, it is helping state partners expand Service Year programs to give young people an initial route into careers in healthcare and education.
Across the four states, the partnerships bring governors, employers and education providers together to identify workforce needs and develop programs around them.
The work also includes a $1 million partnership with the National Governors Association to help states develop and share policies supporting workers through the AI transition. Areas being explored include incentives for companies to retrain employees and move them into new roles.
Employer pilots connect learning with jobs
RAISE US is co-designing pilots with major employers and postsecondary education partners to help workers move into different roles, either within their existing companies or with other employers.
It is also developing apprenticeships and other opportunities to earn while learning in advanced manufacturing and healthcare.
A partnership with the American Federation of Teachers focuses on improving outcomes for higher education students entering the workforce. Work with Idealab.ai will expand access to entrepreneurship resources through state and community business partnerships.
John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of AT&T, said: “The AI economy will demand new skills and create new opportunities. At AT&T, we’re investing in both, giving people the training and career pathways to succeed. We’re proud to bring that experience to RAISE US and work together to expand opportunity for more Americans.”
Support extends beyond retraining
Alongside education and employment programs, RAISE US is working with researchers to test support for workers facing disruption to their earnings.
The pilots include short-time compensation and wage insurance, approaches that can help workers when their hours are reduced or they move into lower-paid employment.
RAISE US plans to evaluate the programs as they develop and help partners expand approaches that connect people with jobs. Its Policy Lab will turn findings into recommendations for federal and state policymakers and private-sector leaders.
The new commitments build on more than $500 million pledged when the organization launched in June 2026.
Julie Gehrki, President of the Walmart Foundation and Senior Vice President, Philanthropy at Walmart, said: “The companies that get AI right will be the ones that bring their people with them. We’re investing in helping our associates build the skills to thrive in what’s next, and we’re proud to support RAISE US in helping more companies do the same.”
ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform.
Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time.
Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.
