EY and The Trust for the Americas Launch a Virtual Platform to Help Bridge the Digital Divide in Colombia with Support from Microsoft

  • The platform AI Skills Passport will allow young people to learn about artificial intelligence, through five modules that address the fundamental concepts of this technology and its application in different industries and professional careers.
  • This initiative aims to expand access to digital education and prepare new generations for the challenges of the future.

Bogotá, Colombia. – May 8, 2026. With the goal of promoting key digital skills for the future of work, EY, The Trust for the Americas, and the organization Laudes Infantis announced the launch of AI Skills Passport, an artificial intelligence (AI) training platform developed with the support of Microsoft. The presentation took place during a workshop aimed at middle school students, as part of an initiative designed to strengthen and democratize access to digital knowledge in the country.

The event brought together 72 eleventh-grade students from two schools in the Ciudad Bolívar locality, who participated in a learning experience at EY's offices in Bogotá. The project aims to train young people in fundamental AI knowledge and motivate them to use this platform which, over five modules, teaches the responsible use of this technology and illustrates how it can be applied in different fields (such as sustainability, business, and entrepreneurship, among others), strengthening their preparation for increasingly digital work environments. Students who complete the entire course will earn a certificate issued by EY and Microsoft that they can include in their academic resume.

Today we take another step to boost the country's development and expand opportunities for young people through new technologies. EIn Colombia, according to MinTIC figures, although 74 % of the population has Internet access, but the digital divide remains deep: only 35 % of Colombians have mastered basic digital skills, and 25% use artificial intelligence. For this reason, the AI Skills Passport serves as a valuable platform for democratizing access to digital knowledge for new generations, enabling them to accelerate their development and be better prepared for today’s job opportunities. ”This is why, at EY, we are committed to quality education as a tool for social transformation and are shaping the future with confidence,”, noted Beatriz Carmona, Consulting Partner at EY Colombia.

During the day in which the youth experienced an immersive corporate environment, volunteers from EY and Microsoft delivered specialized content and, through practical exercises, guided the students to apply the acquired artificial intelligence skills. At the same time, they reinforced abilities such as teamwork, innovation, communication, creativity, and critical thinking to achieve a responsible and effective use of technology.

“At Microsoft, we believe that artificial intelligence is not just a technology, it is an opportunity to transform lives. Initiatives like the AI Skills Passport allow us to bring this knowledge closer to young people, especially those who have historically had less access, so that they can not only understand the future of work, but also be protagonists in it. Our commitment is to continue expanding access to these opportunities so that more people can actively participate in this transformation, stated Catalina Rengifo, Leader of employee-connected social impact programs for Microsoft, underlining the role of AI as a fundamental skill for the future of work.

For her part, Lourdes Serrano, Regional Program Manager at The Trust for the Americas, highlighted the social impact of this type of initiative: “We maintain a firm commitment to reducing the technology skills gap in the region. Through strategic partnerships, we facilitate access to training in artificial intelligence, strengthening the capabilities of young people and expanding their opportunities for job placement and educational development.

“On behalf of Laudes Infantis and the principals of the Vargas Vila and Nicolás Gómez Dávila schools, we appreciate the leadership of EY and Microsoft, as well as the support of Trust for the Americas, for making it possible for high school seniors to participate in an experience that introduces them to the business and technology worlds—an experience that will undoubtedly broaden their future prospects and strengthen their opportunities for learning and innovation,”, mentioned Almudena Rivas, Director of Community Development.

Through initiatives of this kind, organizations join forces to promote equitable access to technological skills, especially in communities with fewer opportunities, thereby reaffirming their commitment to education, innovation, and the development of young talent in Latin America.

About The Trust for the Americas:

The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by providing people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), Trust for the Americas forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as a driver of progress in the Americas.

About EY:

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society, and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Powered by data, AI, and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers to the most urgent issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in Assurance, Consulting, Tax and Law, Strategy and Transactions. Driven by sector insights, a globally connected and multidisciplinary network, and diverse ecosystem partners, we deliver solutions in more than 150 countries and territories.

Regarding Laudes Infantis:

It was established as a non-profit entity in 1999, with the initial purpose of preventing the continuous outflow of children and youth onto the streets of Bogotá D.C. Following its long history in the field, Laudes Infantis generates actions aimed at strengthening the social fabric, enhancing the capacities and skills of its members, and creating positive role models among youth and adults so that children can find appropriate models to follow, guaranteeing them a better future.

Dejar un comentario

Your email address will not be published. Los campos obligatorios están marcados con *