EY and The Trust for the Americas Launch a Virtual Platform to Help Bridge the Digital Divide in Colombia with Support from Microsoft
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 the AI Skills Passport, an artificial intelligence (AI) training platform developed with support from Microsoft. The presentation took place during a workshop for high school students, as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening and democratizing access to digital knowledge in the country. The event brought together 72 eleventh-grade students from two high schools in the town of Ciudad Bolívar, who participated in a learning experience at EY’s offices in Bogotá. The project aims to equip young people with fundamental AI skills and encourage them to use this platform, which, through five modules, teaches the responsible use of this technology and illustrates how it can be applied in various fields (such as sustainability, business, and entrepreneurship, among others), thereby better preparing them for increasingly digital work environments. Students who complete the entire course will receive a certificate issued by EY and Microsoft that they can include in their academic record. “Today we are taking another step toward driving the country’s development and expanding opportunities for young people through new technologies. In Colombia, according to figures from MinTIC, although 74 % of the population has Internet access, 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 becomes 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 how, at EY, we are committed to quality education as a tool for social transformation and are shaping the future with confidence,“ said Beatriz Carmona, Consulting Partner at EY Colombia. During the event, in which the young people had an immersive experience in a corporate environment, volunteers from EY and Microsoft taught specialized content and, through hands-on exercises, guided the students in applying the artificial intelligence skills they had acquired. At the same time, they reinforced skills such as teamwork, innovation, communication, creativity, and critical thinking to ensure the responsible and effective use of technology. ”At Microsoft, we believe that artificial intelligence is not just a technology—it’s an opportunity to transform lives. Initiatives like the AI Skills Passport allow us to bring this knowledge to young people—especially those who have historically had less access—so that they not only understand the future of work but can also play a leading role in it. Our commitment is to continue expanding access to these opportunities so that more people can actively participate in this transformation,“ said Catalina Rengifo, Leader of Social Impact Programs in Connection with Employees at Microsoft, emphasizing 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 such initiatives: ”We remain firmly committed to closing the technology skills gap in the region. Through strategic partnerships, we facilitate access to training in artificial intelligence, strengthening young people’s skills and expanding their opportunities for employment and educational development.“ ”On behalf of Laudes Infantis and the principals of the Vargas Vila and Nicolás Gómez Dávila high schools, we thank EY and Microsoft for their leadership, as well as Trust for the Americas for their support in enabling high school seniors to participate in an experience that introduces them to the business and technology sectors—an experience that will undoubtedly broaden their future prospects and strengthen their opportunities for learning and innovation,” said Almudena Rivas, Director of Community Development. Through initiatives like this, the organizations join forces to promote equitable access to technology skills—especially in underserved communities—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 equipping 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), The Trust 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 an engine 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 fostering trust in capital markets. Driven by data, AI, and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop solutions to the most pressing challenges of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in Audit and Tax, Consulting, Tax and Legal, Strategy, and Transactions. Driven by industry expertise, a globally connected and multidisciplinary network, and partners from diverse ecosystems, we deliver solutions in more than 150 countries and territories. About Laudes Infantis: It was established as a nonprofit organization in 1999, with the initial purpose of preventing children and youth from ending up on the streets of Bogotá, D.C. After many years of work in the field, Laudes Infantis carries out initiatives aimed at strengthening the social fabric, enhancing the capabilities and skills of its members, and creating positive role models among young people and adults so that children can find appropriate role models to follow,







