Grow your
skill set.
Build your network.
Launch your next chapter.
Grow your skill set.
Build your network.
Launch your next chapter.
Hands-On Learning
Work on real projects, experiment with new tools, and translate ideas into practice in a way that feels immediate and useful.
Peer-Driven Community
Learn alongside peers who share your goals, trade insights in real time, and find the support that helps you keep moving forward.
Local Expert Network
Tap into mentors, practitioners, and leaders who know the terrain—people ready to share insights and open doors for you.
IntroducingOpen Labs
A new way to build skills with regular people just like you. You can join anytime, find your way into a learning pod and/or project team, and grow by working on real things together. No gatekeeping, no waiting—you’re invited to join this community where anyone can just start, learn, contribute, and belong today.
Current ProgramApr — Jul '26Energy & Climate
Learn how power, infrastructure, and environmental change are reshaping daily life and the economy. You’ll work with others to explore what’s happening now, what’s at stake, and where new tools—including AI—can help communities adapt, build, and make smarter decisions together.
Upcoming Programs
Past ProgramS
We officially launched The Upskilling Labs in early January, 2026. To date, over 300 people have leveraged our programming, platforms, and mentorship to accelerate their careers.
“At a time when I felt uncertain, the program gave me purpose again—it connected me with other mission-driven public servants to tackle real problems using emerging technology. I came in with limited AI experience, but The Upskilling Labs stretched my design thinking and showed me how AI can be an empowerment tool for people-first design and civic impact.”
Hector Perla
Alumni, ADHD Brain
Inaugural AI Cohort“The program has been fantastic for exposure to AI tools and learning resources. As a social scientist, I had never worked with design thinking before, and this program has felt just as much about learning that approach as about learning to leverage AI. Just as valuable has been the mentorship and sense of community.”
Sara Head
Alumni, Journey IQ
Inaugural AI Cohort“This AI Cohort of the The Upskilling Labs has been a transformative experience, giving me hands-on opportunities to apply AI in real-world problem solving while strengthening my technical and strategic skillset. Beyond training, the program opened doors to meaningful networking and authentic connections with peers who share a passion for innovation.”
Brittany Chappell
Alumni, FinLit Coach
Inaugural AI Cohort“I came in wanting to close my own technical gap as a Customer Success Manager, and I left realizing that gap is exactly where my strength lies—translating between tools, teams, and real user needs. I realized that AI isn’t just about smarter apps; it’s about community, trust, and adoption—the human side of technology that makes long-term value possible.”
Suzie Zhang
Alumni, FinLit Coach
Inaugural AI Cohort
Our Why...
Losing your footing is hard.
Losing faith in the future is harder.
The systems we’ve relied on are breaking. Here you're invited to turn that disruption into resilience—rooted in your local library and powered by you and your neighbors.
Mission: To help professionals upskill in emerging technologies through hands-on, peer-powered, project-based learning delivered in a replicable model that civic communities across the country can adopt.
Vision: A country where anyone, in any community, can learn and apply emerging technologies through programming hosted with public institutions that serve as hubs for lifelong upskilling.
Purpose: Flood the zone with hopeful stories, durable skills, and civic strength.