Bridge the AI Divide: Community Playbook

Short answer: What to do now

We can start a measurable, low-cost AI literacy pilot in 90 days. Do these three things:

• Run a 2-week listening sprint with community leaders and employers.
• Deliver a 60-day curriculum for 150 learners or 30 frontline workers.
• Measure impact with a simple KPI scorecard and a 90-day review.

Outcome: a tested AI literacy program with data to win follow-on funding.

UNESCO, UN, and ILO warn the AI divide risks leaving communities behind. This playbook turns that risk into action.

Who this is for

This playbook helps local governments, NGOs, schools, and corporate L&D teams who want to build AI literacy and bridge the AI divide.

What you get

• A 90-day roadmap (week-by-week)
• Checklist and roles
• KPI scorecard and sample metrics
• Sample curriculum modules and facilitator guide
• One-page grant/pilot pitch outline

90-day roadmap (high level)

Split into three phases: Listen, Build, Run.

Weeks 1–3: Listen and plan

• Set goals: who to reach, what skills, and success metrics.
• Stakeholder calls: community leaders, employers, funders (2 weeks).
• Baseline survey: device access, digital skills, language needs.
• Quick win: schedule first 4 lessons and secure local venue or online platform.

Weeks 4–8: Build curriculum and train facilitators

• Use low-cost materials: slides, short videos, offline worksheets.
• Teach practical skills: using AI search, prompts for productivity, basics of generative AI safety.
• Run a 2-day facilitator training. Teach how to lead hands-on labs.
• Prep evaluation tools and the KPI scorecard.

Weeks 9–12: Run pilot and measure

• Deliver 8–12 sessions to learners or on-the-job training for workers.
• Collect attendance, pre/post skill checks, and employer feedback.
• Hold a 90-day review: show results and ask funders for next phase.
• Publish a short case brief with outcomes and lessons learned.

Roles and budget checklist

• Program lead — 10 hrs/week: plan, partners, reporting.
• Facilitators — 2–3 people: deliver sessions.
• Data lead — part-time: run scorecard and surveys.
• Venue/tech — budget for internet, devices, or printed packs.

Tip: partner with a local library, school, or employer to reduce costs.

KPI scorecard (what to measure)

Keep it simple. Track 6 indicators weekly.

Metric	Goal (90 days)
Participants trained	150
Completion rate	>70%
Skill uplift (pre/post test)	+30% avg
Job outcomes or employer adoption	30 workers upskilled
Local facilitator hours	100
Funding secured for next phase	1 grant or partner

Sample curriculum (3 short modules)

1. Foundations (2 sessions): What is AI, why it matters, safety basics.
2. Practical tools (4 sessions): Using AI to find work, write simple documents, and manage small business tasks.
3. Responsible use (2 sessions): Bias, privacy, permission, and asking good prompts.

Each session: 45–60 minutes with a 20-minute lab.

Grant and pilot pitch outline

• Problem statement (30 words): the AI divide in our community and who is affected.
• Solution (50 words): 90-day pilot to train X people and measure outcomes.
• Budget and in-kind support: staff, venue, tech, materials.
• Success metrics and timeline: attach the KPI scorecard.
• Request: ask for funds or partnerships for pilot and scale.

Low-cost, localized tactics

• Use refurbished devices and offline materials where internet is weak.
• Translate materials and teach in local languages.
• Prioritize hands-on labs over lectures.
• Work with local employers to shape job-relevant modules.

Three brief case studies

These examples show the problem and a practical response.

• Policy & research: Read the UN report Mind the AI Divide for why global cooperation matters.
• Community focus: UNESCO calls for AI literacy for marginalized groups. Use that framing to reach funders.
• Market urgency: Reports from BCG and AI World Today show businesses gain when they adopt AI. Employers will partner when you show clear job outcomes.

Common questions

1. How much does this cost? Expect a basic pilot under $15k if you use partners and donated devices.
2. How do we reach marginalized groups? Work through trusted local groups, offer stipends, and run sessions in local language.
3. What about safety and bias? Teach simple checks: ask who benefits, check sources, and get consent when using personal data.

Further reading

For research and policy context, see The Living Library, Global Digital Inclusion, and the New York Times piece on AI computing power.

Quick tip: Start small, measure early, and show one employer a real result. We learn faster that way.

Next steps

Pick a 90-day date range, run the listening sprint this week, and book facilitator training in week 4. If you want templates, adapt the KPI scorecard and grant pitch using the sources above.

We can do this together. Share your pilot and we will highlight lessons so others copy what works.