• A new executive order establishes a comprehensive federal framework to advance artificial intelligence (AI) education for American youth.
• Agencies are directed to launch a national AI Challenge, build public-private partnerships, and expand AI-focused teacher training and apprenticeship programs.
• Stakeholders in education, workforce development, and industry should monitor new guidance and funding streams and explore partnership opportunities with federal agencies.

Recognizing AI’s transformative impact on society and the economy, the administration issued an executive order on April 23 establishing a national strategy to integrate AI education across the K-12 system. The order outlines a coordinated federal framework that promotes AI literacy and proficiency among students and educators, leverages public-private partnerships and expands workforce development opportunities —all aimed at keeping the United States at the forefront of AI innovation and readiness.

For stakeholders in education, industry and workforce development, the order offers a roadmap for potential funding, strategic collaboration and early alignment with federal AI education priorities.

Key Provisions

1. Establishment of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education
   • The Task Force, chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and comprising senior officials from multiple federal agencies, is charged with implementing the order’s policy objectives and coordinating federal AI education initiatives.
2. Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge
   • Within 90 days, the Task Force must develop plans for a national AI Challenge to be held within 12 months. The AI Challenge will recognize student and educator achievements, promote geographic and topical diversity, and foster collaboration among government, academia, industry and philanthropy.
3. Public-Private Partnerships and K-12 AI Resources
   • Agencies are directed to establish partnerships with industry, academia and nonprofits to develop online resources for K-12 AI education, with a focus on foundational literacy and critical thinking.
   • Federal funding mechanisms, including discretionary grants, are to be prioritized for these initiatives, with resources to be made available for classroom use within 180 days of partnership announcements.
4. Guidance and Support for AI in Education
   • The Secretary of Education is tasked with issuing guidance on the use of federal grant funds for AI-based instructional resources and identifying ways to leverage existing research programs to support state and local AI education efforts.
5. Enhanced Educator Training
   • Within 120 days, the Secretary of Education and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) must prioritize AI in teacher training and research programs, including professional development for integrating AI into curricula and classroom practice.
   • The Secretary of Agriculture is similarly directed to support AI education through 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System.
6. Expansion of AI-Related Apprenticeships and Workforce Development
   • The Secretary of Labor is instructed to increase participation in AI-related Registered Apprenticeships, set growth targets, and use existing funds to develop industry-driven standards.
   • Guidance will be issued to encourage the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds for youth AI skills development, and grant programs will prioritize providers expanding AI coursework and certifications, including dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.
7. Federal Fellowship and Scholarship Prioritization
   • All agencies providing educational grants are to consider AI as a priority area within existing fellowship and scholarship programs.

Takeaways

The executive order signals the federal government’s intent to make AI education a long-term national priority not just for students, but for the educators and institutions that support them. As agencies roll out guidance, funding mechanisms and partnership opportunities, stakeholders in education, industry and workforce development should consider opportunities for engagement and collaboration as the federal government advances its AI education agenda.

As the federal AI education strategy evolves, we’re here to support clients exploring how to align, partner, or participate.