News/Education
Elite students are dropping out of Harvard, MIT to prevent AI extinction of both humans and jobs
College students at elite universities like Harvard and MIT are dropping out to work on preventing artificial general intelligence (AGI) from potentially causing human extinction, driven by fears that superintelligent AI could arrive within the next decade. This exodus reflects growing anxiety among young people about both existential AI risks and the possibility that their future careers will be automated away before they even begin. What you should know: Students are abandoning prestigious academic programs to join AI safety organizations and startups, believing the threat is too urgent to wait. Alice Blair took permanent leave from MIT to work as...
read Aug 6, 2025India’s Yashoda AI program trains 2,500 rural women in digital skills
India's National Commission for Women has trained 2,500 women from rural and semi-urban areas through its Yashoda AI program, an artificial intelligence literacy initiative aimed at enhancing digital inclusion. The program targets women from diverse backgrounds including self-help group members, elected officials, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs to build AI literacy skills in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices. What you should know: The Yashoda AI program represents a significant government effort to bridge the digital divide for women in underserved communities. Participants include members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local elected representatives such as sarpanchs, pradhans, parshads, mayors, MLAs, ASHA...
read Aug 6, 2025Universities can now access Claude for Education through AWS Marketplace
Anthropic's Claude for Education is now available through AWS Marketplace, providing universities with a streamlined way to access the AI assistant through their existing Amazon Web Services accounts. This new distribution pathway simplifies procurement and billing for educational institutions while maintaining all the features designed specifically for academic use. What you should know: The AWS Marketplace listing doesn't introduce new functionality but creates a more accessible acquisition path for universities already using AWS infrastructure. Institutions can leverage their established AWS agreements and manage subscriptions centrally through AWS's consolidated billing and procurement processes. This differs from Claude access through Amazon Bedrock,...
read Aug 5, 2025Rose-Hulman launches computer science major with AI and cybersecurity tracks
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a private engineering school in Indiana, has launched a redesigned computer science major featuring specialized tracks in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. The restructured program offers two distinct pathways—one focused on industry-ready software development and another emphasizing research and theory—allowing students to tailor their education around emerging technologies and high-demand career fields. What you should know: The new unified computer science major replaces Rose-Hulman's previous program structure with a more flexible approach that addresses current industry needs. Students can choose between a Developer pathway for real-world software development and industry careers, or a Researcher pathway...
read Aug 4, 2025Google and Goodwill launch free AI training for 200K workers
Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to an essential workplace skill, yet many professionals remain uncertain about how to develop AI literacy. A new partnership between Google and Goodwill Industries offers a compelling solution: a comprehensive, free AI training program designed to bridge this knowledge gap for working professionals. The Google AI Essentials course, delivered through Coursera, represents a strategic collaboration between Google.org (Google's philanthropic arm) and Goodwill Industries—better known for thrift stores but actually the largest nonprofit workforce development provider in the United States, helping over 350 people find jobs daily. This partnership aims to deliver...
read Aug 4, 2025Psychiatry residency hits 14-year high as graduates embrace AI collaboration
Medical school graduates are increasingly choosing psychiatry as their specialty, with 1,975 students matching into psychiatry programs in 2025—marking the 14th consecutive year of growth in the field. This surge comes despite widespread predictions that AI mental health apps and chatbots will eventually replace human therapists, suggesting these graduates see opportunity rather than obsolescence in the AI revolution. What you should know: The latest matching data reveals a significant uptick in psychiatry interest among new medical graduates. A total of 1,975 graduating seniors matched into psychiatry training programs in 2025, up from 1,823 the previous year. This represents the 14th...
read Jul 29, 2025California launches first AI policy academy for state lawmakers
The California Council on Science and Technology has launched the CCST Legislative Academy on AI, an educational program designed to help state lawmakers and their staff navigate AI policy decisions. The initiative comes as California grapples with over 50 AI-related bills in the 2025 legislative session alone, highlighting the urgent need for informed policymaking in this rapidly evolving field. What you should know: The academy represents California's first comprehensive effort to educate legislators specifically about artificial intelligence and its policy implications. The program is open exclusively to Legislature members and staff at no cost, with initial programming launching this fall....
read Jul 29, 2025ChatGPT’s new study mode transforms AI from answer machine to tutor offering mere guidance
OpenAI has launched study mode for ChatGPT, a new feature designed to guide students through learning processes rather than simply providing answers. The tool uses Socratic questioning and step-by-step guidance to encourage deeper understanding, addressing longstanding concerns about AI tools undermining educational development by doing students' homework for them. What you should know: Study mode transforms ChatGPT from an answer machine into an interactive tutor that works through problems with students. The feature is available to all logged-in ChatGPT Free, Plus, Pro, and Team users, with ChatGPT Edu access coming in the next few weeks. Students can access it by...
read Jul 28, 2025It’s such a “Betty”! Penn unveils supercomputer to quadruple AI research capacity
The University of Pennsylvania has unveiled "Betty," a new off-campus supercomputer that quadruples the university's computing capacity and is designed to run AI models analyzing videos, images, texts, and databanks. Located 30 miles from campus in a Collegeville data center, Betty positions Penn to compete in what officials describe as an "arms race in computing" among top research universities seeking to attract faculty and students with cutting-edge AI capabilities. What you should know: Betty represents a significant leap in Penn's computational infrastructure, built in record time to meet surging demand for AI research capabilities. The supercomputer is an Nvidia "SuperPOD"...
read Jul 28, 2025Google’s Gemini AI hits 450M users as India strategy accelerates
Google's Gemini AI assistant has crossed a significant milestone, surpassing 450 million monthly active users while daily usage surged more than 50 percent compared to the previous quarter. This growth comes as Google deepens its artificial intelligence investments in India through a series of strategic initiatives targeting students, farmers, and developers. The user growth represents a major validation of Google's AI strategy, particularly as the company faces intensifying competition from OpenAI's ChatGPT and other AI assistants. Shekar Khosla, Vice President of Marketing and Site Lead at Google India, announced the milestone on LinkedIn, noting the "growing momentum" behind the Gemini...
read Jul 25, 2025UK poll reveals split: 89% oppose student AI use yet 46% back grammar help
Public opinion is sharply divided on whether students should use artificial intelligence to improve their writing in school coursework, according to a new YouGov poll commissioned by Cambridge University Press and Assessment, a UK-based educational testing organization. The survey of 2,221 UK adults reveals a complex landscape where 89% consider AI use "unacceptable" for pupils, yet nearly half support its use for basic grammar and punctuation corrections—highlighting the nuanced challenges educators face as AI becomes increasingly prevalent in classrooms. What you should know: The poll exposes significant contradictions in public attitudes toward AI in education, with acceptance varying dramatically based...
read Jul 25, 2025Study abroad: UAE’s AI university draws interns from top US schools
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is attracting a growing number of US students, with one in four participants in its recent monthlong internship program coming from American universities. This trend signals intensifying global competition for AI talent as countries race to build their artificial intelligence capabilities and workforce pipelines. What you should know: MBZUAI's internship program has become a significant recruitment pipeline, drawing applications from top US computer science programs. Nearly 2,000 students applied for 57 internship slots—almost double the previous year's applications—from dozens of countries worldwide. Participants came from prestigious institutions including...
read Jul 24, 2025Canvas integrates OpenAI’s AI assignment-building tutors directly into classrooms
Instructure has partnered with OpenAI to integrate AI-powered tools into Canvas, one of the most widely used learning management platforms in education. The collaboration introduces IgniteAI, a suite of generative AI features that will roll out to Canvas users over the coming year, positioning AI directly within classroom workflows rather than as an external add-on. What you should know: IgniteAI centers around an assignment builder that lets educators create AI-guided tasks with customizable chatbot interactions. Teachers can write learning goals, set up how the AI will interact with students, and define evaluation criteria while maintaining full control over AI behavior...
read Jul 24, 2025Team Human morale booster: UW researchers show kids how people outperform AI with puzzles
University of Washington researchers have developed a puzzle game that demonstrates AI's limitations to children, showing that humans consistently outperform AI models on simple visual reasoning tasks. The game addresses a critical gap in AI literacy education, helping kids understand that artificial intelligence isn't the all-knowing technology many perceive it to be. Why this matters: Children often view AI as "magical" and infallible, especially those who can't yet fact-check AI responses due to limited reading skills or subject knowledge. The visual puzzle format allows non-readers to directly experience AI failures, fostering critical thinking about technology limitations. "When it comes to...
read Jul 24, 2025Georgia Tech receives $20M to build AI-integrated Nexus supercomputer
Georgia Tech has received a $20 million federal grant to build Nexus, a new supercomputer designed to integrate high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and visualization capabilities into a single system. The supercomputer aims to make advanced computing more accessible for researchers nationwide and could lead to breakthroughs in quantum materials design and brain research. What makes Nexus unique: Unlike traditional supercomputers that require researchers to jump between different machines for different tasks, Nexus will provide multiple computing capabilities in one integrated system. "What is unique about Nexus is that it is going to be designed to provide high-performance computing,...
read Jul 24, 2025Character.AI transforms convos into immersive entertainment experiences starring Socrates and more
Character.AI represents a fascinating departure from the productivity-focused AI assistants that have dominated recent headlines. While ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude are designed to help users write emails and analyze documents, Character.AI takes artificial intelligence in an entirely different direction—creating immersive conversations with fictional characters, celebrities, and historical figures that prioritize entertainment over efficiency. This platform transforms AI interaction from a professional tool into something closer to interactive storytelling. Users can engage in surprisingly realistic conversations with characters ranging from Edward Cullen to Socrates, each programmed to maintain their distinct personality traits and respond authentically to user input. The...
read Jul 22, 2025Open Philanthropy shifts university AI safety funding to Kairos
Open Philanthropy has ended its university AI safety group funding program and transferred financial support for most university AI safety groups to Kairos, an AI safety field-building organization. The move reflects Open Philanthropy's broader strategy of transitioning small grants programs to specialized organizations better positioned to provide active support and guidance. What you should know: Open Philanthropy's GCR Capacity Building team announced the immediate closure of their university group funding program as of the publication date. Kairos will now handle monetary support for most university AI safety groups, leveraging what Open Philanthropy describes as "a strong team and a substantive...
read Jul 21, 2025Reading, writing, AI-rithmetic: Louisiana opens first K-5 school designed around AI education
Preston Castille, a Louisiana education leader, has opened the Helix AI and Medical Academy in Opelousas, marking the first new school built in the parish in decades. The 40,000-square-foot facility will teach K-5 students how to utilize artificial intelligence and prepare for AI-driven job markets, with classes beginning in August 2025. The big picture: This represents one of the first elementary schools in the United States specifically designed around AI education, reflecting how educational institutions are adapting to integrate emerging technologies into core curriculum from an early age. Key details: The school can accommodate up to 600 students and focuses...
read Jul 21, 202589% of US students now use AI for schoolwork, up 12% in one year
AI usage among U.S. students has surged dramatically, with 89 percent now using artificial intelligence tools for schoolwork—a jump from 77 percent in 2024, according to Quizlet's 2025 How America Learns report. This represents part of a broader trend where 85 percent of teachers and students aged 14-22 now use AI in some capacity, up from 66 percent the previous year, signaling AI's rapid integration into American education. What you should know: Students are primarily using AI for three core academic functions that streamline their workload. Summarizing or synthesizing information leads usage at 56 percent, followed by conducting research at...
read Jul 17, 2025Ohio requires all K-12 schools to create AI policies by 2026 but is down on phones in class
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 96 into law this week, requiring all K-12 school districts to create artificial intelligence usage policies by July 1, 2026, and implement cellphone restrictions starting in January. The legislation also establishes a $100,000 grant program for community colleges to integrate AI into their programs, marking a comprehensive effort to modernize education while addressing digital distractions in classrooms. What you should know: The new law creates a two-step process for AI policy development in Ohio schools. By December 31, 2025, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce must release a model AI policy addressing...
read Jul 15, 2025Tech giants launch $23M NYC-based academy to train teachers on AI
OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic have partnered with major teachers' unions to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will train K-12 educators on classroom AI integration starting this fall. The program aims to influence how millions of teachers approach AI tools, though it faces significant skepticism from educators concerned about AI's impact on critical thinking and academic integrity. What you should know: The academy will operate from a New York City headquarters and focus on training teachers to use AI for both instruction and administrative tasks like lesson planning and report writing. The initiative is...
read Jul 11, 2025Swiss universities to release 70B parameter open-source LLM in 2025
ETH Zurich and EPFL will release a fully open-source large language model in late summer 2025, trained on the "Alps" supercomputer at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre. The model represents a significant milestone in open AI development, offering multilingual fluency in over 1,000 languages and positioning European institutions as credible alternatives to closed commercial systems from the US and China. What you should know: The LLM will be completely transparent, with source code, weights, and training data publicly available under the Apache 2.0 License. Unlike commercial models developed behind closed doors, this approach enables high-trust applications and supports regulatory compliance...
read Jul 10, 2025Florida schools pilot AI tutoring across 30 campuses this fall
Pasco County, Florida, schools are piloting artificial intelligence programs across 30 campuses this fall to help teachers personalize education and analyze student performance data. The district is testing two AI platforms—Scholar Education for elementary schools and Khanmigo for middle and high schools—both offered free of charge to evaluate their effectiveness before potentially committing to paid services. What you should know: The AI initiative aims to reduce teachers' administrative workload while enhancing individualized instruction for students. Scholar Education, a state-funded startup, will provide elementary teachers with AI tools to analyze student performance data, identify learning gaps, and create personalized assignments based...
read Jul 10, 2025Microsoft, OpenAI invest $23M in teachers’ union amid education cuts
Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic have collectively invested $23 million into the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the second-largest teachers' union in the US, to establish an AI training center for educators. This unprecedented funding from major AI companies comes as the education sector faces severe budget constraints, with the Trump administration cutting nearly $7 billion in public school funding while simultaneously threatening to dismantle the Department of Education entirely. The big picture: Tech companies are strategically positioning themselves within cash-strapped educational institutions, creating long-term dependencies while the sector struggles with funding cuts and political uncertainty. Key details: The National Academy...
read