1. DOL Framework 2. Readiness Assessment 3. Curriculum Framework 4. Train-the-Trainer 5. LWDB Partnership 6. Funding Pathways 7. Outcomes & Reporting

CBO Readiness Self-Assessment

Key Takeaway

Before launching an AI literacy program, assess your organization's capacity across five dimensions. This 20-question diagnostic identifies strengths and gaps so you know exactly where to invest before committing to delivery.

Designed for CBO executive directors and program managers to complete in 20–30 minutes with input from key staff. Rate each item on a 1–5 scale.

Instructions

1 = Not started 2 = Emerging 3 = Developing 4 = Established 5 = Fully operational

Self-Assessment

Dimension A: Strategic Alignment
A1 Has your organization's leadership identified AI literacy as a strategic priority for the next 1–2 years?
A2 Does your board of directors support investing staff time and resources in AI programming?
A3 Is AI literacy aligned with your organization's mission and the populations you serve?
A4 Have you reviewed your LWDB's most recent strategic plan or WIOA modification for references to AI, digital literacy, or emerging technology training?
Dimension B: Staff Capacity
B1 Can at least two frontline staff members use a generative AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) to complete a basic task?
B2 Are your trainers or instructors willing to learn new technology tools, even if they are not currently familiar with AI?
B3 Does your organization maintain a trainer-to-learner ratio of no more than 1:15 for hands-on technology instruction?
B4 Do you have staff with experience in adult education pedagogy — managing mixed-skill classrooms, scaffolding instruction, and adapting to varied learning speeds?
Dimension C: Technology Infrastructure
C1 Does your primary training facility have reliable broadband internet access (minimum 25 Mbps download) sufficient for 15+ simultaneous users?
C2 Can you provide a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer for every participant during training sessions?
C3 Does your organization have an acceptable use policy that addresses AI tools, data privacy, and participant information security?
C4 Can your IT infrastructure support individual user accounts for AI platforms, or do you have a plan for shared access?
Dimension D: Data and Reporting Systems
D1 Does your organization collect and securely store participant demographic data (race, ethnicity, gender, age, English language proficiency, disability status, veteran status)?
D2 Can you track individual participant progress across multiple training sessions — including enrollment dates, modules completed, and assessment scores?
D3 Do you have experience reporting outcomes to a funder, government agency, or accrediting body using standardized data formats?
D4 Can your data systems produce disaggregated outcome reports (e.g., completion rates by demographic group)?
Dimension E: Community Partnerships
E1 Does your organization have an existing relationship with your LWDBLocal Workforce Development Board — the regional body that manages WIOA Title I funds and oversees American Job Centers. or a local American Job Center?
E2 Do you have employer partners who have expressed interest in hiring workers with AI literacy skills?
E3 Does your organization serve populations that face barriers to employment — including limited English proficiency, lack of transportation, childcare needs, criminal records, or limited digital access?
E4 Are you connected to other CBOs, educational institutions, or community organizations with whom you could share resources or co-deliver programming?

A Note on Readiness vs. Perfection

A perfect score is not required to start. Many CBOs will score highest in Dimensions A (Strategic Alignment) and E (Community Partnerships) and lowest in Dimensions C (Technology) and D (Data). That is typical.

The purpose of this assessment is not to create barriers to entry — it is to ensure that when you launch, you can deliver a quality program and sustain it. A CBO that scores 3.0 across all dimensions and addresses its weakest area before launching will outperform a CBO that scores 4.0 everywhere but skips the assessment entirely.