Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The StepForward: Essential Innovation Challenge funds nonprofit initiatives that empower youth aged 18–24 with AI literacy, human-centric skills, and career readiness. Six winning organizations receive $200,000 each, participate in a Demo Day with expert feedback, and must demonstrate operational readiness, community relevance, and socially grounded, ethical approaches to AI education.
Overview
The StepForward Challenge supports nonprofit programs that equip youth aged 18–24 with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in an AI-driven world. The initiative emphasizes AI literacy, human-centric skills, ethical reasoning, and career pathways while promoting inclusivity and regional relevance.
Challenge Focus Areas
The program prioritizes solutions that:
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Expand access to responsive and inclusive AI literacy through engaging, community-rooted learning environments
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Develop human-centric skills such as problem solving, creativity, communication, and ethical reasoning alongside AI fundamentals
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Enhance career opportunities by helping youth leverage new skills in local and regional markets
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Lower barriers to participation using technology, blended learning, or community-based approaches
Target Audience
The challenge focuses on youth aged 18–24, particularly those facing structural barriers to education or employment, ensuring equitable access to AI learning and essential human skills.
Eligibility Criteria
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Solutions must be operational at a pilot or growth stage with demonstrated real-world application
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Concept, prototype, or large-scale untested solutions are not eligible
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Organizations must be nonprofits or international equivalents
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Regional relevance is prioritized; applicants should operate and design solutions for the region in which they apply
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Applications must be submitted in English
Benefits for Selected Organizations
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Grant funding: $200,000 per organization, with a total prize pool of $1.2 million across six winners
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Demo Day participation: Feedback from S&P Global volunteers to refine, strengthen, and scale programs
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Support for maximizing program impact and ensuring operational readiness
Objectives and Expected Impact
The challenge aims to:
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Equip youth with both technical and human-centric skills needed for an AI-powered future
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Promote inclusive, socially grounded, and ethically informed AI education
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Ensure programs are locally relevant and connected to the communities they serve
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Strengthen nonprofit capacity to scale and sustain transformative youth programs
Application Considerations
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Ensure the solution is operational and demonstrably effective
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Emphasize community engagement, local context, and inclusivity
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Prepare documentation and program evidence in English
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Highlight how the program develops career pathways and long-term impact for youth
Conclusion
The StepForward: Essential Innovation Challenge provides nonprofit organizations with funding, expert guidance, and visibility to advance AI literacy and human-centric skills for youth. By focusing on operational readiness, ethical AI education, and community relevance, the initiative aims to prepare the next generation for thriving in an AI-driven world.
For more information, visit S&P Global Foundation.