250+ CEOs Back AI and Computer Science Education in Schools
▼ Summary
– Over 250 CEOs, including Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and Uber’s Dara Khosrowshahi, signed an open letter advocating for AI and computer science as core K-12 subjects.
– The letter argues these skills are crucial for maintaining U.S. competitiveness, citing countries like China and Singapore that already mandate such education.
– Signatories emphasize preparing students to be AI creators rather than just consumers in the AI-driven future.
– The letter coincides with the Trump administration’s efforts to shape U.S. AI policy, including potential cuts to federal research programs.
– Trump recently issued an executive order promoting AI integration in education and workplaces through industry-academia partnerships.
Over 250 top executives from leading companies have united to push for artificial intelligence and computer science education in schools, calling it a critical need for America’s future workforce. The collective statement, published as a full-page ad in The New York Times, emphasizes that these subjects should become foundational elements of K-12 education nationwide.
Signatories include high-profile leaders like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Etsy’s Josh Silverman, and Uber’s Dara Khosrowshahi, who argue that without prioritizing these fields, the U.S. risks falling behind global competitors. The letter points out that nations such as China, Brazil, South Korea, and Singapore have already integrated computer science and AI into mandatory school curricula.
The urgency behind this initiative stems from concerns that American students aren’t being adequately prepared for a tech-driven economy. “In the AI era, we must equip the next generation to be creators, not just users, of technology,” the letter states. This push coincides with ongoing federal efforts to shape AI policy, though budget cuts threaten to undermine research and development.
Recently, the White House took steps to encourage AI adoption in education and workforce training through partnerships between businesses and universities. However, critics argue that without sustained funding and a clear national strategy, these measures may not be enough to close the gap with other countries. The CEOs’ letter serves as both a rallying cry and a challenge to policymakers, stressing that investing in tech education today will determine America’s competitiveness tomorrow.
(Source: TechCrunch)
