U.S. mandates AI education in schools as IBM’s Andreas Horn highlights need for early AI literacy

Move signals growing recognition of AI literacy as a core requirement for the future workforce

Photo Credit: Craighead, Shealah

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order introducing mandatory artificial intelligence education across all U.S. elementary and secondary schools.

The order, titled Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, outlines plans to integrate structured AI instruction into school curricula, preparing students for an economy increasingly shaped by automation and machine learning.

In a LinkedIn post, Andreas Horn, Head of AIOps at IBM, discusses the development, saying, “This is super controversial, but probably highly needed: Following China, the U.S. just made AI education mandatory in schools.”

Horn highlights the global context behind the move, noting, “Just six days after China announced AI classes starting at age six, the United States is stepping up. Yesterday, President Trump signed an executive order to roll out mandatory AI education across all elementary and secondary schools.”

Horn describes AI as an emerging form of literacy rather than a niche skill, commenting, “Honestly? I believe this is exactly the kind of move we need. Because AI is no longer optional. It’s not a niche skill. It’s the new literacy. And we’re raising a generation that needs to be fluent—not fearful—of how it works.”

While supporting the emphasis on AI education, Horn cautions against overdependence on automation in learning. “I don’t believe every subject should be driven by AI. And I certainly don’t think kids should outsource their thinking to machines. But I do believe we need structured, critical, hands-on AI education—early,” he says.

Details and wider implications of the executive order

The executive order sets out a framework for embedding AI-focused learning from an early age. It emphasizes practical, critical engagement with AI tools, ethical considerations, and the development of foundational technical skills. The goal is to ensure that students can navigate future workplaces shaped by emerging technologies.

The policy comes at a time when reskilling and digital adaptation are increasingly urgent. The 2025 Future of Jobs Report projects that 59 percent of the global workforce will require reskilling by 2030, and 39 percent of today’s skills will become obsolete.

Horn points to the importance of early preparation, stating, “We’re talking about generational readiness.”

The initiative places the United States alongside other countries making moves to prioritize AI education, reflecting a broader shift toward preparing young people for a rapidly evolving global economy.