The letter, backed by an initiative called “Unlock8,” argues that AI education is essential to “keeping America competitive,” and its goal is for all students to get the skills needed to thrive in a world increasingly driven by AI.

It references research showing that students who take just one computer science course could boost their early career earnings by 8%, and expertise in AI will be the most sought-after skill in the next five years.

It highlights that “countries like Brazil, China, [South] Korea, and Singapore have already made AI mandatory for every student…The US is falling behind…We must prepare our children to be AI creators, not just consumers.”