How one spark of inspiration grew into a movement for every
Unlock Your Potential with AI Readiness Institute
The AI Readiness Institute began with a simple but powerful belief:
every community deserves to feel safe, confident, and prepared in the age of artificial intelligence—especially our young people.
For years, I worked in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community development. I learned firsthand how deeply people want to understand the world changing around them, but how often they feel left behind by technology. I saw families overwhelmed, seniors targeted by scams, schools rushing to catch up, and communities searching for someone—anyone—who could help make sense of it all. Then something unexpected happened. A spark came from home. My younger cousin, barely out of high school, announced he was pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence. Not computer science. Not engineering. AI.
He spoke about it with excitement, curiosity, and a sense of purpose I had never seen in someone his age. I watched him dive into concepts that even seasoned professionals struggled to explain. I watched him become the go-to “AI person” in the family.
I watched him help others understand, reassure, and feel less afraid.
And that changed everything for me. I realized: If one young person can create that much clarity… what could thousands do? What if youth weren’t left on the sidelines—but were the leaders?
That question became the seed of ARI.
Built for Youth. Powered by Youth. Needed by Everyone.
The AI Readiness Institute was created to give young people the tools, knowledge, and confidence to guide their families, their neighborhoods, and their institutions through the most important technological shift of our lifetimes.
From that vision came:
CAST — Community AI Support Team
A youth-powered movement providing AI literacy and digital safety education to schools, libraries, families, and seniors.
AI Navigator Certification
A free national credential that trains youth to become trusted, confident leaders who can spot deepfakes, prevent scams, and teach others about AI.
Innovation Labs
Eight creative labs developing tools, guides, safety kits, and research to help communities stay ahead.
AIRAIP — Institutional Readiness Program
A comprehensive, practical roadmap to help schools, nonprofits, and companies navigate AI safely and responsibly.