New Delhi, August 17, 2026: Smile Foundation has made artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled learning a mandatory component of its 21st Century Skills programme under its Skill Training and Employability Programme (STeP), with the initiative expected to reach more than 15,000 youth annually.
The AI learning programme is currently being implemented across STeP centres in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. It is aimed at helping underserved youth build familiarity with AI tools alongside conventional employability and workplace skills.
The move comes amid growing focus on AI skills in India’s workforce. The programme integrates AI into classroom and instructor-led training, while Smile Foundation has also upgraded its Learning Management System (LMS) with AI-enabled tools for students and trainers.
The new framework includes an AI Trainer Mentor to support trainers with concepts, teaching guidance and examples, while students can access an AI Tutor for real-time learning assistance. An AI Career Advisor suggests job roles based on learners’ interests, while an AI Interview Coach enables students to practise interviews and receive feedback on communication, confidence and workplace readiness.
“Artificial Intelligence is gradually transforming the way 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,” said Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder, Smile Foundation.
“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,” he added.
Smile Foundation trained 10,546 youth during FY26, of whom 7,380 secured employment, translating into a placement rate of around 70%. Participants found entry-level opportunities in areas including data management, inventory management, business process outsourcing, sales, retail and marketing.
The Foundation said AI tools will be integrated with communication, employability and workplace training rather than being treated as a standalone technology module. The programme is intended to help young people use AI for learning, career exploration, interview preparation and workplace readiness.
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