Cross-sectoral partnership of 80+ organizations releases first-of-its-kind research on trust, fairness, and guardrails for AI-powered career tools
Palo Alto, California, January 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, nearly 100 education, workforce, employer, nonprofit, and philanthropic leaders announced the launch of a new national coalition aimed at increasing access to high-quality career guidance powered by artificial intelligence. The cross-sector coalition, known as the AI for Career Development Coalition (AICD), today released its first report, “How do we know if these tools are good?” This report brings together insights from educators, workforce leaders, researchers, funders, and policymakers about how AI should and should not shape career development.
“AI has tremendous potential to provide effective career guidance at an unprecedented scale. But as this technology continues to capture the attention of businesses, education providers, and policymakers, the biggest risk is that those who stand to benefit most from its potential will be left behind,” said Jared Chung, Founder and CEO. CareerVillage.orga nonprofit career navigation platform, is the founding convener of the coalition and serves as one of the five members of its steering committee. “This coalition exists to prevent that from happening. Our goal is to work together to build common understanding, common guardrails, and practical guidance so that AI can expand access to carrier support and earn the trust of the people it is meant to serve.”
of the Union first reportThe report released today is based on listening sessions with coalition members from K-12, higher education, workforce systems, nonprofits, employers, and funders, as well as a sector-wide survey conducted in summer 2025. According to its findings, organizations involved in career navigation are optimistic about the potential applications of AI, but are also aware of its risks. Almost half (48%) believe that education and workforce institutions are failing to implement AI tools in ways that effectively reach underserved populations. This report identifies important opportunities for funders, policy makers, researchers, and practitioners to support and inform the development of AI-enabled tools that expand access to high-quality career guidance.
“AI technologies promise to democratize access and accelerate innovation in employment, but with this power comes great responsibility,” said Natalia Lara, Director of Product Design – STAR Inclusion Mode, Platform Partnerships. opportunity@job. “There is an urgent need to positively shape, democratize and accelerate the development of AI to achieve immense positive impact over the lifetimes of millions of STARs.”
The coalition is supported by a steering committee comprised of CareerVillage.org, MENTOR, One Million Degrees, Opportunity@Work, and Western Government University. Following the release of the new report, we will continue to develop research and guidance to help organizations thoughtfully and safely deploy AI to support students and job seekers.
“We were honored to be a part of this effort because we know the impact mentoring has on all young people and the importance of bringing youth voices to the table as they build tools for young people,” said Jeronima Nix, Director of Workplace Mentoring. Mentor. “We also wanted to build a community with others who see the need to develop guidance on how AI is used in supporting young people’s career journeys.”
Over the coming year, the Coalition will focus on turning the report’s insights into action, including developing common principles and standards, supporting institutional readiness, and strengthening evidence from real-world implementation.
“AI provides us with unprecedented tools for career insights and opportunities, but the real power lies in combining technology with human judgment, compassion, and connection,” said Kimberly Lavigne Hinckley, director of the National Philanthropic Partnership. Western Governors University. “AICD fills a critical need for best practices and shared guidance on how AI can work with human input to shape a meaningful future for young people across the country.”
The full report, “How do we know if these tools are good?” is available at aicdcoalition.org. The Coalition’s website also provides additional information on how to join the Coalition and upcoming events.
About the AI for Career Development Coalition
The AI for Career Development Coalition (AICD) is a national partnership of education, workforce, employers, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations committed to shaping the responsible use of artificial intelligence in career guidance. With more than 90 member organizations, the coalition works to ensure that AI tools support informed decision-making, promote fairness, and complement human guidance rather than replacing it. AICD helps institutions prepare for the growing role of AI in career exploration, advice, and workforce navigation, based on the belief that through shared learning, research, and collaboration, we develop practical standards, advance effective practices, and that technology should expand access to trusted career support and help people approach education and work with confidence.
SOURCE Career Village
