Tech CEOs Push for Mandatory AI and Computer Science Education in K-12 Curriculum

Over 250 CEOs sign open letter supporting K-12 AI and computer science education | TechCrunch

More than 250 CEOs signed an open letter published in The New York Times on Monday calling for AI and computer science to be "core components" of K-12 curricula. The signatories, which include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Etsy CEO Josh Silverman, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, argue that computer science and AI education are essential to "keeping America competitive." "Countries like Brazil, China, [South] Korea, and Singapore have already made computer science or AI mandatory for every student," the letter reads. "The United States is falling behind. In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future -- to be AI creators, not just consumers." The letter arrives as President Donald Trump's administration works to shape a new U.S. AI policy -- and as deep cuts to federal programs risk harming fundamental AI research. Last week, Trump issued an executive order to promote the integration of AI in K-12, higher education, and workplaces through partnerships between industry and academia.

Over 250 tech leaders push for computer science and AI course requirements in US schools

In brief: A powerful coalition of more than 250 CEOs and technology leaders is uniting to advocate for computer science and AI education to become a mandatory part of the K - 12 curriculum across the US. The initiative, called "Unlock8," is led by Code.org and CSforALL. Its goal is to ensure that every student acquires essential skills needed to thrive in a world where artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly central role. The campaign emphasizes new research showing that taking just one high school computer science course can boost early career earnings by eight percent, regardless of a graduate's eventual profession. It also references a World Economic Forum report that identifies expertise in AI and data as the most sought-after capability by employers over the next five years. Code.org President Cameron Wilson noted that computer science and AI skills will equip students to adapt as the economy undergoes rapid transformation. He added that this is why leading CEOs are advocating for states to require CS and AI coursework, rather than offering it merely as an elective. All states have taken steps in recent years to expand access to computer science education, and 39 now provide dedicated funding - up from just nine in 2017. However, only a dozen states currently require computer science as a high school graduation requirement. As a result, just 6.4 percent of students took a CS course last year. The new campaign aims to significantly raise that number. A key ad for the campaign poses the question: "How can students build the future if the necessary education is still treated as an elective?" It directs viewers to a website where they can support an open letter signed by prominent tech leaders, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella, Airbnb's Brian Chesky, Uber's Dara Khosrowshahi, and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Historically, Code.org has focused on broadening access to CS education by encouraging states to allow computer science to count toward existing graduation requirements. Now, the organization is calling for universal participation, citing the rapid integration of AI across industries and the urgent need for widespread technological literacy. Katy Knight, Chair of CSforALL, stated that making CS and AI education mandatory nationwide would increase student success, narrow wage gaps, and prepare the next generation for a future shaped by artificial intelligence.

Code.org and CEOs push AI classes for high school students

Driving the news: Students who attend high schools that offer a computer science course end up earning 8% higher salaries than those who don't, regardless of career path or whether they attend college, according to a study by the Brookings Institution. (The study examined the impact of giving students access to computer science classes, not of requiring them.) What they're saying: "This is not just an educational issue," the letter said. Zoom in: CEOs who signed the letter included leaders of high-profile companies like American Express, Airbnb, Dropbox, LinkedIn, Salesforce, Microsoft, Yahoo, Zoom and Uber. State of play: Graduation requirements are set at the state level. By the numbers: In 2024, 35 states had plans for computer science education. That's up from 18 states in 2020 and two in 2017, per Code.org. Between the lines: Teachers have warned that AI could hurt students' critical thinking skills -- but ongoing AI instruction would teach students how to safely and productively use these tools, Wilson said. What we're watching: Trump on April 23 signed an executive order to advance AI education and foster youth interest "from an early age to maintain America's global dominance in this technological revolution for future generations." The bottom line: "In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future -- to be AI creators, not just consumers," the CEOs' letter said. Go deeper:

Global Tech Leaders Call for Mandatory Computer Science, AI Curriculum in US Schools

The appeal seeks to address the skill gap and prepare children for the challenges and opportunities of the future. More than 250 CXOs and founders from leading technology companies worldwide have reportedly signed an open letter, urging the inclusion of computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) as core subjects in schools across the United States. The appeal seeks to address the skill gap and prepare children for the challenges and opportunities of the future, with the added potential of unlocking $660 billion in economic value. "Just one high school computer science course boosts wages by 8% for all students, regardless of career path or whether they attend college. Yet, most students never even try computer science, because it's not a graduation requirement," the letter claimed, adding that this "is not just an educational issue; it's about closing skills and income gaps that have persisted for generations". The letter's signatories include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe's Shantanu Narayen, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S, IBM's Arvind Krishna, and Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth. The letter claimed that the "United States is falling behind" and added that countries like Brazil, China, South Korea, and Singapore have made computer science or AI mandatory for every student. "In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future to be AI creators, not just consumers...We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation for the new 'American Dream'," the letter further stated, adding that the movement has bipartisan support from leaders on both sides of the aisle. Highlighting the importance of such a move, the appellants further said, "We owe it to them (children) to provide an education that reflects the demands of our time. In the past 10 years, all 50 states have taken steps forward, and one lakh teachers have started teaching computer science." However, they believe it's not enough. "We must make computer science and AI a required part of every school's curriculum. Together, we can unlock $660 billion in opportunity for everyday Americans, close wage gaps and ensure our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow."

CEOs of Microsoft, Salesforce, and Hundreds More Push for AI Training in High School

Over 250 CEOs signed an open letter they hope will hasten the AI transition of the U.S. workforce, urging that artificial intelligence and computer science courses become part of high school class requirements. The letter, published Monday, had a very simple pro-AI message. The letter began by asking "what if a single class could help close wage gaps, unlock $660 billion in economic potential every year for everyday Americans, and address the skills gap we currently face?" The answer, said signatories that included Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe's Shantu Narayen, AMD's Lisa Su, Salesforce's Marc Benioff and Blue Origin's David Limp, is to "include computer science and AI as a core part of every student's education." There's a lot more to the missive, Axios reports, but it's a clear attempt by business leaders to address an issue that will impact the workplace of tomorrow, as future kids complete their educations and join the workforce. This also implies there's actually a skills gap right now in offices and other workplaces across the globe, and if you're not training your current workforce to be AI-savvy, then you may be part of the problem.

Satya Nadella, Michael Dell, Lisa Su, Alex Karp Among 250+ CEOs Demanding AI Education For All K-12 Students In Open Letter: 'The United States Is Falling Behind' - Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD), Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL)

Over 250 CEOs from Fortune 500 companies have called on state education leaders and policymakers to prioritize AI and computer science education for all K-12 students. What Happened: As a part of Unlock8, a national campaign led by Code.org and CSforALL, the CEOs have come together to sign an open letter. The campaign's goal is to advocate for policy solutions that ensure every student has access to the foundational skills needed in an AI-enabled world. The signatories include Microsoft MSFT CEO Satya Nadella, Dell CEO DELL Michael Dell, Etsy ETSY CEO Josh Silverman, AMD AMD CEO Lisa Su, Palantir CEO PLTR Alex Karp, Uber UBER CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and many others. They argue that computer science and AI education are vital to maintaining America's competitiveness. "Countries like Brazil, China, S. Korea, and Singapore have already made computer science or AI mandatory for every student. The United States is falling behind," reads the letter. The letter also calls for unlocking $660 billion in opportunities for everyday Americans, bridging wage gaps, and equipping children to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future. SEE ALSO: Grant Cardone Says, 'America About To Have Greatest Resurgence In Its 250-Year History,' Thanks Trump For Encouraging Big Tech To Come Home Get StartedStart Futures Trading Fast -- with a $200 Bonus Join Plus500 today and get up to $200 to start trading real futures. Practice with free paper trading, then jump into live markets with lightning-fast execution, low commissions, and full regulatory protection. Get Started Why It Matters: This call from CEOs comes in the wake of recent policy changes and concerns about America's position in AI. On April 23, President Donald Trump signed a set of executive orders encouraging AI education in schools. The Departments of Education and Labor have been instructed to broaden AI certification programs and collaborate with states to advance AI education. Additionally, the National Science Foundation will support research into how AI can be used in learning environments. Furthermore, NVIDIA Corp. NVDA CEO Jensen Huang recently warned that 50% of AI researchers are Chinese and urged America to invest in workforce development. Huang has previously stated, "You are not gonna lose your job to AI, you are gonna lose you job to someone who uses AI." READ MORE: Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Says 'Average Waymo In Austin Is Busier Than 99%' Of Human Drivers Image via Shutterstock Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. AMDAdvanced Micro Devices Inc$102.251.88%Stock Score Locked: Want to See it? Benzinga Rankings give you vital metrics on any stock - anytime. Reveal Full ScoreEdge RankingsMomentum17.10Growth66.98Quality86.00Value14.91Price TrendShortMediumLongOverviewDELLDell Technologies Inc$97.391.67%ETSYEtsy Inc$46.551.36%MSFTMicrosoft Corp$437.390.93%NVDANVIDIA Corp$119.091.73%PLTRPalantir Technologies Inc$112.692.00%UBERUber Technologies Inc$84.300.78%Got Questions? AskWhich tech companies will thrive with AI education?How might education technology firms benefit?Who stands to gain from AI certification programs?What investments could emerge in AI-driven learning?Which states are likely to adopt AI education first?How will workforce development impact job markets?What competencies are needed for AI job roles?Which companies are best positioned for AI growth?How will curriculum changes affect educational publishers?What financial opportunities arise from AI investment?Powered ByMarket News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs