Over 250 CEOs Urge Mandatory AI and Computer Science Education in U.S. Schools

More than 250 CEOs from major corporations and educational organisations have signed an open letter calling for mandatory computer science and artificial intelligence education for all K-12 students in the United States.

The letter, signed by leaders from companies including Adobe, Microsoft, IBM, LinkedIn, Uber, and Zoom, warns that without early AI training, American students risk falling behind in a technology-driven world.

“In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future — to be AI creators, not just consumers,” the letter states.

The CEOs argue that widespread access to computer science and AI courses is the fastest way to close skill and wage gaps, while also helping the U.S. maintain its competitive edge in the global AI race.

The letter highlights bipartisan support for AI education, noting that all 50 states have taken steps to introduce computer science in schools over the past decade, and 100,000 teachers have begun teaching the subject.

Citing Brookings Institution research, the letter says that taking just one high school computer science course can increase lifetime wages by 8% and employment chances by 3%, with the greatest benefits seen among young women and low-income students.

Currently, only 12 U.S. states require students to learn basic computer science. The signatories are pushing for a nationwide mandate.

“We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation for the new American dream,” the letter says. “We owe it to them to provide an education that reflects the demands of our time.”

The call for action comes as other countries move ahead with similar initiatives. The United Arab Emirates announced this week that it will implement an AI curriculum across all levels of public education starting next academic year. Brazil, China, South Korea, and Singapore have already made computer science or AI mandatory for all students.

On April 23, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.” The order aims to boost AI literacy through grants for teacher training, public-private partnerships to improve classroom resources, and a national task force to monitor progress in K-12 AI education.

The order states that early exposure to AI concepts can spark curiosity and creativity, helping students become responsible participants in the future workforce and driving the next wave of American innovation.

While some educators and parents express concern that generative AI tools like ChatGPT could encourage cheating and weaken critical thinking, the involvement of top business leaders underscores the growing momentum to make AI literacy a core part of U.S. education.

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• Over 250 CEOs signed a letter urging mandatory AI and computer science education in U.S. schools

• Signatories include leaders from Adobe, Microsoft, IBM, and Uber

• The letter cites research showing AI education boosts wages and job prospects

Source: FORBES