AI in US Education
Ross Edwards
Director
IORMA Education and Learning Technology Centre
June 2025
On April 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 131, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth,” to position the United States as a leader in AI-driven innovation by embedding AI literacy and skills training across K–12 schools.
The order establishes a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education—chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and including senior officials from the Departments of Education, Labor, Agriculture, Energy, and the National Science Foundation.
Within 90 to 120 days, these agencies must launch targeted initiatives such as:
- AI Teacher‐Training Grants: Funding professional development so educators can integrate AI tools and methodologies into their lesson plans.
- 4-H and Cooperative Extension Collaborations: Leveraging existing youth programs to deliver hands‐on AI workshops in rural and urban communities alike.
- Expanded Registered Apprenticeships: Using the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create AI-focused career pathways for high school and college students.
To stimulate innovation, the order also calls for robust public–private partnerships and inaugurates a “Presidential AI Challenge.” Over the next year, technology firms, non-profits, and universities will co-develop turnkey AI literacy modules for classroom use.
High school students will be able to earn industry-recognized credentials through expanded dual-enrolment and certification programs. The Presidential AI Challenge will engage interdisciplinary teams across multiple age groups and regions to apply AI solutions to critical national issues—from environmental modelling to public-health forecasting.
However, success depends on sustained funding and seamless coordination among federal, state, and local entities. Although the executive order directs agencies to leverage discretionary grants, all efforts remain “subject to the availability of appropriations,” making congressional buy-in essential.
Moreover, the recent dismissal of over 200 AI specialists hired under the previous administration has raised concerns about the federal government’s capacity to deliver on complex AI initiatives.
With only a dozen states currently mandating computer-science credits for graduation, this executive order marks a decisive federal push to close educational gaps and prepare a diverse generation of learners for an AI-enabled future.