Cognizant Synapse Data Shows Skills Training Boosts Youth Employment Amid AI Disruption
Event summary
- Cognizant's Synapse initiative has surpassed its initial goal of reaching one million individuals and now aims to upskill two million people by 2030.
- Data from Synapse-supported nonprofits shows significant improvements in employment, earnings, and long-term stability for young adults.
- Year Up United participants earn 30% higher wages six years post-program, the largest earnings impact recorded in a randomized controlled trial.
- Cognizant hired 20,000 new graduates in 2025 and expects to exceed that number in 2026.
The big picture
Cognizant's Synapse initiative highlights the growing disconnect between employer needs and workforce readiness as AI transforms entry-level jobs. The data underscores the importance of structured, employer-connected skills training in preparing young workers for an evolving job market. With 260 million young people globally not in education, employment, or training, the initiative addresses a critical gap in workforce development.
What we're watching
- AI Workforce Impact
- How AI will continue to redefine entry-level roles and the pace at which employers adapt their talent strategies.
- Scaling Skills Training
- Whether Cognizant's Synapse initiative can sustain its growth and impact as it aims to upskill two million people by 2030.
- Economic Mobility
- The long-term effects of skills-based training on economic stability and mobility for young workers in an AI-driven job market.