Most career programs help students choose a job. This program helps them discover who they are — and how that identity shapes every opportunity they pursue.
Developed through doctoral research at the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology, this workshop explores how artificial intelligence can support career identity development among adolescents — particularly students from historically underrepresented communities.
Rather than asking students "What do you want to be when you grow up?" the workshop helps students explore much deeper questions:
Rather than passively receiving career recommendations, students design and build a personalized AI assistant that reflects their interests, strengths, values, and career curiosities. The bot becomes a tool they own and can continue using beyond the program.
Unlike traditional career assessments, this program focuses on the whole student — building self-awareness, confidence, and the skills to navigate an AI-powered future.
Students explore who they are before deciding what they want to do — identity first, career second.
Guided exploration and AI tools build belief in students' own possibilities and future potential.
Students explore careers they may not have previously considered — especially in tech and emerging fields.
Students don't just use AI — they build with it, developing real literacy for an AI-powered world.
Personal strengths and values are linked to real career pathways and future possibilities.
Students leave with something they built — a personalized Career AI Bot that reflects who they are.
The workshop draws from four well-established bodies of research to create an experience that is both academically rigorous and deeply human.
Research shows that adolescence is a critical period for identity formation and career exploration. Students who actively explore careers and connect them to their personal interests are more likely to develop stronger career confidence and direction.
Individuals build their careers by making meaning from their experiences and creating personal narratives about who they are and who they want to become. The workshop helps students construct those narratives through reflection, storytelling, and exploration activities.
Career interests and choices are influenced by self-confidence, exposure to opportunities, and beliefs about future success. The workshop increases students' awareness, confidence, and sense of possibility through guided AI-supported exploration.
Students learn best by doing. Instead of passively receiving information, participants engage in activities, discussions, reflections, and AI-powered projects that allow them to actively explore career possibilities.
The program applies design thinking to career exploration by encouraging students to prototype ideas, test assumptions, and view career development as an ongoing journey rather than a single decision.
Reflective and Identity-Sensitive Mediation for Marginalized Youth — Dr. Salena Burke, IIT Institute of Design, 2024.
Read the published research →Every session is designed to build toward these seven outcomes — combining AI literacy, career awareness, and personal growth.
Learn foundational concepts of artificial intelligence.
Explore their interests, strengths, and career aspirations.
Discover a variety of career pathways and opportunities.
Design and create a personalized Career AI Bot.
Learn how AI can support career exploration and decision-making.
Practice reflection and self-discovery through guided activities.
Develop confidence in using emerging technologies responsibly.
Six instructor-led weekly sessions combining hands-on activities, career exploration, AI bot development, and guided reflection.
Six workshops are delivered on a schedule agreed upon with the school or organization. A final schedule is confirmed with administration prior to program launch. Contact the Jerome Burke Foundation to discuss scheduling for your institution.
At completion, every student walks away with tangible skills, tools, and a stronger sense of who they are and where they're going.
The AI Career Identity Workshop is offered exclusively through the Jerome Burke Foundation as part of its mission to expand access to career exploration, AI literacy, and educational opportunity for youth.
The Jerome Burke Foundation is an approved Chicago Public Schools (CPS) vendor committed to expanding educational and career development opportunities for youth.
Schools, nonprofits, community organizations, and youth-serving institutions interested in bringing this program to their students should reach out through one of the two pathways below.
For schools and organizations — contact JBF directly to discuss partnership and program scheduling.
Visit jeromebf.org →Research partnerships, speaking engagements, or questions about the program's academic foundations.
Email Dr. Burke →