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At a moment when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we learn, work and connect, one question rises above the rest: Will young people simply inherit the AI economy, or will they help build it?

That question anchored a dynamic panel conversation at the recently in Atlanta, with leaders from across the nonprofit, corporate and philanthropic sectors. The discussion was moderated by City Year New York AmeriCorps member Nina Prakash, for a deeper exploration of what true cross-sector collaboration can—and must—look like today.

City Year CEO Jim Balfanz joined Lyndsay Harris-Kyei, VP of Global Impact & Sustainability at ServiceNow, and Saskia Levy Thompson, Program Director of Education at the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, to discuss how to scale these capabilities for young people.

With a mix of urgency, optimism and practical insight, the conversation highlighted a shared commitment: empowering the next generation not just as users of AI, but as co-creators of its future.

Shaping the Future of the AI Economy

Opening the discussion, AmeriCorps member Nina Prakash, 23, framed the stakes:

“Young people are already navigating an AI-driven world every day. The real opportunity is making sure they have a seat at the table, not just as participants, but as decision-makers shaping what comes next.”

Her call set the tone for the conversation, emphasizing that access alone is not enough. True inclusion requires investment in skills, exposure, mentorship and pathways into leadership.

The Nonprofit Perspective: Proximity Drives Possibility

Representing the nonprofit sector, Balfanz emphasized the critical role organizations play in bridging opportunity gaps.

“Nonprofits are uniquely positioned because we’re closest to young people’s lived experiences. We see where systems fall short—and where belief, mentorship, and consistency can unlock potential.”

Balfanz underscored that while AI literacy is essential, it must be grounded in human connection:

“It’s not just about teaching students how to use AI tools—it’s about building the confidence and critical thinking skills to question, design and improve them.”

This perspective reinforced the importance of integrating digital fluency into broader social-emotional and academic development supports for all students.

The Corporate Lens: Responsibility Beyond Innovation

From the corporate side, the conversation shifted to the responsibility companies hold—not only as innovators, but as ecosystem builders.

“We can’t talk about advancing AI without talking about access,” said ServiceNow’s Harris-Kyei.

“Companies can provide tools and platforms, but without partnerships, those resources don’t reach the young people who need them most.”

Read about in City Year to advance its support for students in under-resourced ������Ƶ and to strengthen talent pathways in the age of AI.

Harris-Kyei highlighted how corporate engagement can go beyond funding to include mentorship, curriculum co-design, and exposure to real-world pathways:

“ Young people pursue careers they can envision. Meeting engineers, designers, and leaders doing meaningful work… that’s when possibility becomes real.”

She also emphasized transparency and ethics as key pillars:

“ The next generation should not only use AI but lead the future of AI— the vision and innovation.”

Philanthropy’s Role: Investing in Long-Term Change

Thompson, from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, called on the philanthropic sector to make sustained, strategic investments in new ideas:

“Philanthropy has the flexibility to take risks—to fund ideas early, to support innovation, and to connect partners who might not otherwise come together.”

Thompson highlighted a critical gap in the current landscape:

“Too often, funding cycles are short-term, but the change we’re seeking, especially in education and workforce development, requires long-term commitment. The real power is in alignment—when philanthropy, nonprofits and corporations work toward a shared vision, we can create systems-level change. That’s why we fund great organizations like City Year.”

City Year’s partnership with the Andrew Carnegie Foundation builds on to advance teacher apprenticeship pathways and a new $1M commitment in June 2026 to expand student success coaches across New York State—catalytic seed funding to establish a statewide learning network that equips organizations with best practices, learning communities and collective momentum to improve student outcomes and strengthen pathways for young adults.

The Power of Partnership in Action

Throughout the discussion, a consistent theme emerged: no single sector can prepare young people for the AI economy alone.

Instead, panelists described a collaborative model where each sector brings distinct strengths:

• Nonprofits offer proximity, trust and programmatic expertise
• Corporations contribute innovation, resources and industry insight
• Philanthropy provides catalytic funding and convening power

Together, they form a network capable of scaling impact.

As moderator Nina reflected during the conversation:

“What gives me hope is that everyone here is thinking beyond their own lane. It’s not just about what our organizations do individually—it’s about how we show up together.”

The panel closed with a forward-looking challenge: to move from access to agency. Ensuring young people can use AI tools is only the beginning. The deeper goal is enabling them to shape systems, ask critical questions, and imagine new possibilities.

Nonprofits, corporations, and philanthropic foundations understand that their role isn’t to prepare young people for the future but prepare them to build it.

Why This Matters Now

For City Year, this conversation underscores a core belief: when we invest in young people—through relationships, opportunities, and equitable access—we empower them to lead. And in an AI-driven world, their leadership is essential.

In an AI-economy, a year of service strengthens key human skills most needed in today’s workplaces.

By continuing to foster cross-sector partnerships, we can help ensure that the future of AI is not just innovative, but inclusive—rooted in the voices, creativity and brilliance of the next generation.

Interested in how City Year is supporting students to thrive in a rapidly changing world? Learn more about our work and how you can get involved.