Beyond 12 has been awarded a $1 million investment as one of three winners of Robin Hood’s AI Poverty Challenge, a national competition recognizing innovative, equitable, and responsible applications of artificial intelligence to expand opportunity for people living in poverty.

Beyond 12 was recognized for its work on MyCoach AI, a generative AI-powered college success coach designed to support historically underrepresented students. Combining over a decade of coaching data, a research-backed curriculum, and culturally inclusive tone of voice guidelines, MyCoach AI delivers personalized, high-impact support while preserving the essential human connection at the heart of student success.

“We are honored to be selected as a winner of the AI Poverty Challenge and to be recognized alongside two outstanding organizations — CodePath and The Legal Aid Society,” said Alexandra Bernadotte, Founder and CEO of Beyond 12. “This investment will allow us to further scale MyCoach AI and move closer to our goal of supporting one million students annually by 2030.”

Robin Hood’s AI Poverty Challenge is supported by the GitLab Foundation, the Bezos Family Foundation, and Deloitte. The initiative seeks to identify and accelerate the most promising AI-driven solutions addressing the root causes and consequences of poverty.

The recognition reaffirms Beyond 12’s commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have access to the resources and support needed to earn postsecondary degrees and credentials that empower them to build lives of choice, purpose, and possibility.

Beyond 12 extends its gratitude to Robin Hood and its partners, as well as the many higher education, K-12, college access, success, and scholarship organizations whose collaboration continues to make this work possible.