Smile Foundation makes AI training mandatory in its 21st Century Skills Programme
New Delhi : Smile Foundation has made Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled learning modules an integral and mandatory component of the 21st Century Skills training under its Skill Training and Employability Programme (STeP). The foundation aims to prepare underserved youth for employment in an increasingly AI-influenced workplace.
The AI integration involves both students as well as instructors, besides upgradation of Smile Foundation’s Learning Management System (LMS). The innovation is currently active in STeP centres in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, NCT of Delhi, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The new initiative is projected to benefit more than 15,000 youth annually.
Smile Foundation’s enhanced programme enables the enrolled youth to use AI practically while under training and also during employment. Trainers and instructors are supported by an AI Trainer Mentor that clarifies concepts, offers teaching guidance and suggests relevant examples, while students can access an AI Tutor for real-time learning support.
An AI-enabled Career Advisor helps learners identify interests and receive personalised job-role recommendations based on up to three areas of interest. The programme also features an AI Interview Coach, which supports mock interview practice, provides AI-generated feedback and helps students strengthen their communication, confidence and overall workplace readiness.
Reflecting on the initiative, Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder, Smile Foundation, says, “Artificial Intelligence is gradually transforming the way the we learn, work and build careers. For young people about to enter the workforce, particularly those from underserved communities, access to these tools should not become a digital divide. By integrating AI into our 21st Century Skills programme, we are enabling learners to experience and use AI practically, whether it is to understand a concept, explore a career, prepare for an interview or build confidence before entering the workplace.”
During FY 2025–26, Smile Foundation trained 10,546 youth, of whom 7,380 were made to find meaningful employment, resulting in a placement rate of approximately 70 per cent. The youth successfully began their entry-level career in numerous sectors, such as data management, inventory management, business process outsourcing (BPO), sales, retail and marketing, providing pathways for continued professional growth. For the students, the introduction of AI-based tools is already adding a new dimension to employability skills training.
By embedding AI-enabled assistance alongside communication, employability and workplace skills, Smile Foundation aims to make emerging tools and technology a practical learning companion. The integration is aimed to help young people develop the ability to learn competitively, make informed career choices, and navigate technology-enabled workplaces with greater confidence.
