Reading, Writing, Arithmetic…AI? CEOs urge mandatory AI classes for US kids

The push for mandatory AI education in American schools is gaining unprecedented momentum, with over 250 CEOs from major companies advocating for computer science and AI training for all K-12 students. This corporate-led initiative comes as other nations like the UAE, Brazil, China, South Korea, and Singapore have already implemented similar mandates, creating urgency around America’s technological competitiveness. The movement reflects growing recognition that early AI literacy will be crucial for future workforce readiness and economic opportunity in an increasingly AI-powered world.

The big picture: Business leaders from Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups have united in an open letter calling for mandatory computer science and AI education in all U.S. schools to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven future.

• Executives from Adobe, Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Uber, Zoom and dozens of other influential companies signed the letter, arguing that without such training, American students risk falling behind globally.
• The letter emphasizes that AI education is essential to shrink skill and wage gaps while maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the global AI race.

Global context: The United Arab Emirates just announced plans to implement an AI curriculum across all public education levels starting next academic year, joining several other nations that have already made similar commitments.

• Brazil, China, South Korea, and Singapore have already mandated computer science or AI education for all students.
• This international movement puts pressure on the U.S. education system to adapt quickly or potentially fall behind in developing AI-literate talent.

Recent policy developments: President Trump signed an executive order in April that aims to boost AI literacy in American education through various initiatives.

• The order establishes grants for training computer science and AI teachers, promotes public-private partnerships for classroom resources, and creates a national AI-education task force.
• The executive action explicitly recognizes that early AI exposure can “nurture the next generation of American AI innovators” and drive economic achievement.

Why this matters: Research cited in the CEO letter indicates that even a single high-school computer science course can significantly improve students’ economic prospects.

• Studies from the Brookings Institution show that one computer science class can increase lifetime wages by 8% and employment odds by 3%.
• Young women and low-income students see the greatest benefits from computer science education, suggesting AI literacy could help address broader socioeconomic disparities.

Current landscape: Despite growing recognition of AI’s importance, comprehensive computer science education remains limited in American schools.

• Only twelve U.S. states currently require students to learn basic computer science, far short of the nationwide mandate these business leaders are advocating for.
• The letter acknowledges bipartisan support for computer science education, noting that all 50 states have taken initial steps forward in the past decade.

What they’re saying: The open letter frames AI education as essential to America’s future economic competitiveness and individual opportunity.

• “In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future — to be AI creators, not just consumers,” the letter states.
• “We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation for the new American Dream. We owe it to them to provide an education that reflects the demands of our time.”

Between the lines: This corporate-led initiative emerges amid ongoing debates about AI’s role in education, with business leaders clearly positioning themselves on the side of technology integration.

• While some educators worry that tools like ChatGPT could promote cheating or undermine critical thinking skills, this campaign focuses on the positive potential of AI literacy.
• The involvement of so many prominent executives signals that AI education is becoming a priority for the business community seeking future-ready workers.