New AI Corps Aims to Reshape NYC's Workforce and Nonprofit Sector

NEW YORK, NY – February 11, 2026 – A landmark partnership between financial giant Mizuho Americas and workforce development nonprofit Pursuit is set to reshape New York City’s technology landscape by launching the AI Nonprofit Build Corps. This innovative initiative, backed by a three-year FutureReady Grant from the Mizuho USA Foundation, aims to train New Yorkers from historically underrepresented communities to become AI experts and embed them within the city’s vital nonprofit sector.

The program is designed to address a critical and growing disparity in the digital age: while artificial intelligence is creating immense opportunities, its benefits are not being distributed equally. The AI Nonprofit Build Corps seeks to forge a direct pipeline between untapped talent and community-based organizations, creating a model for inclusive growth in an AI-driven economy.

Bridging a Dual Divide: Talent and Technology

The AI revolution is creating a tale of two cities within New York. On one hand, the demand for AI-savvy professionals is surging, with estimates suggesting millions of new jobs will emerge globally that require collaboration between humans and algorithms. Entry-level roles that once required basic digital literacy now increasingly demand familiarity with AI tools and concepts. This shift threatens to leave behind individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who lack access to specialized, high-cost training.

Simultaneously, the city's nonprofit sector—the very safety net for these communities—is struggling to keep pace. Many of these organizations operate with strained budgets and outdated technology, making it difficult to modernize operations, manage data effectively, and meet the rising demand for their services. Research indicates that while the vast majority of nonprofit leaders believe AI could enhance their efficiency, very few have the resources or in-house expertise to adopt it. This technology gap hinders their ability to serve their communities effectively, from managing client data securely to optimizing outreach and service delivery.

The AI Nonprofit Build Corps confronts this dual challenge head-on. By training a new class of professionals, known as Pursuit Builders, the initiative supplies nonprofits with the technical capacity they desperately need. In return, these Builders gain paid, hands-on experience applying cutting-edge skills to solve real-world problems, building a professional portfolio that is essential for long-term career mobility.

A Proven Model for Economic Mobility

This new initiative is built on a foundation of proven success. Pursuit has spent over a decade creating pathways to economic mobility for New Yorkers from low-income backgrounds. The nonprofit's track record is formidable: graduates of its programs see their annual incomes jump from an average of $18,000 to over $85,000. Pursuit has successfully placed its Fellows at over 200 leading companies, generating what it calculates as more than $1 billion in lifetime wage gains for participants.

The organization’s success stems from its focus on individuals with the greatest need and potential. Its cohorts are consistently diverse, with participants who are predominantly Black or Latine, recipients of public assistance, immigrants, and often lacking four-year college degrees. By providing intensive technical training combined with three years of career support, Pursuit has demonstrated a sustainable model for transforming lives and careers.

“AI is rapidly reshaping every job, not just those in tech,” said Nick Simmons, CEO of Pursuit, in the announcement. “The AI Nonprofit Build Corps ensures that communities who have historically been left out of tech revolutions are equipped to lead in this one. With Mizuho’s partnership, we’re proving that AI-powered workforce pathways can strengthen both people and the organizations that serve our city.”

Strategic Philanthropy and the Future of Work

Mizuho Americas’ involvement represents a sophisticated evolution of corporate social responsibility. The support, delivered through a $450,000 FutureReady Grant, is not merely a charitable donation but a strategic investment in the future of New York City’s workforce and social infrastructure. This aligns perfectly with the Mizuho USA Foundation's recently refined strategy, which prioritizes funding for nonprofits that equip underrepresented young adults with the technology skills needed for competitive-wage jobs.

“Mizuho is committed to investing in the future of work in ways that are both innovative and inclusive,” stated John Buchanan, Chief Information Officer at Mizuho Americas and a board member of the foundation. “By supporting the AI Nonprofit Build Corps initiative, we’re helping AI adoption expand opportunity for organizations that serve our communities and for New Yorkers ready to contribute to an AI-enabled economy.”

The program is designed to create what its founders call a “virtuous cycle.”

• Builders gain paid, real-world experience, building the confidence and professional networks necessary for career advancement.
• Nonprofits receive vital AI capacity, allowing them to modernize operations, improve service delivery, and better meet community needs.
• New York City benefits from a more resilient social sector and a stronger, more inclusive workforce, ensuring the AI economy fosters broad-based growth.

This holistic approach reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of economic opportunity and community well-being. “New York is one of the world's great innovation centers, and it is also home to a valuable nonprofit ecosystem that underpins economic mobility,” said Liz Ceisler, Chief Human Resources Officer at Mizuho Americas and Chair of the Mizuho USA Foundation. “We're proud to partner with Pursuit to bring AI-enabled talent into that ecosystem while supporting the training and development of AI-ready professionals.”

Building a Scalable Blueprint for an AI-Ready Future

While the AI Nonprofit Build Corps will launch in New York City, it is explicitly designed for scale. The initiative serves as a potential blueprint for other cities grappling with how to ensure the benefits of AI are shared equitably. It offers a replicable model for how public-private partnerships can cultivate AI-native talent and channel it toward social good.

The rapid evolution of AI presents significant challenges for traditional training programs, which can quickly become outdated. The Build Corps model addresses this by emphasizing continuous learning and practical application. By embedding Builders directly within organizations, the program provides a mechanism for ongoing support and adaptation as technologies evolve.

This human-centric approach is also critical for navigating the ethical complexities of AI, such as algorithmic bias and data privacy. By training Builders to be not just technicians but also responsible stewards of technology, the program aims to ensure that AI is implemented in a way that is fair, transparent, and aligned with the missions of the community organizations they serve. The initiative represents a forward-thinking strategy to build a future where technological advancement and social equity are not competing priorities but mutually reinforcing goals. By investing in human capital and directing it toward community impact, the AI Nonprofit Build Corps is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive digital future for all New Yorkers.