American Access Institute

AAI accelerates workforce readiness so that youth facing adversity transition out of care with a clear, actionable plan for their future. We empower community partners with the tools, technology, and professional support to transform trauma into trajectory.

Building Scalable Career Pathways for America's Next-Generation Workforce

In collaboration with the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies, American Access Institute leverages cutting-edge AI technology co-funded by Amazon Web Services, pro bono strategic consulting from Deloitte, and expert ethical AI governance from industry leadership at Microsoft delivering trauma-informed professional development and backend data analytics to drive systemic change.

who we serve

American Access Institute partners with mission-driven organizations that open doors for teens and young adults facing adversity, including:

Community-based nonprofits supporting youth facing adversity
Foster care programs
Juvenile justice and diversion programs
Charter and alternative high schools
Sobriety, recovery, and reentry organizations
Programs for pregnant and parenting teens

Workforce development programs led by cities, counties, and regional agencies
Youth employment and apprenticeship partnerships
Mentorship and leadership growth initiatives
Independent-living service providers
And many more organizations that help teens and young adults explore career pathways with confidence.

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Transform Youth Workforce Readiness

Be the First to Read Our In-Depth Report on What Works

Workforce Readiness for Youth Facing Adversity combines two years of AAI cohort data with a review of rigorous research from youth programs across the U.S. and internationally. The report explores what helps young people facing adversity build lasting careers.

Opt in to receive this comprehensive report delivered straight to your inbox upon release:

Evidence Review: Clear takeaways from leading studies of youth workforce programs nationwide and abroad.

Responsible AI in Practice: How AAI translates those findings into technology that pairs advanced AI with human-centered, trauma-informed support.
Scaling What Works: A practical path, grounded in the research and our own results, for funders, practitioners, and decision-makers ready to grow effective programs.

Join our early access list, and we'll send the full report to your inbox on release day

“Education is salvation from exploitation.”

Dr. Pamela M. Donnelly, Founder

AAI believes career readiness protects young people. When teens and young adults facing adversity see a clear path to good work, they gain options, confidence, and the power to say no to anyone who would exploit them. The Catapult Initiative gives partner organizations the technology, training, and data to build that path together.