WASHINGTON, April 24: On April 23, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to boost artificial intelligence (AI) education in the U.S., aiming to prepare students for careers in this rapidly growing field. This follows a January order reversing Biden-era restrictions on U.S. AI leadership. The new initiative establishes a White House Task Force on AI Education, chaired by Michael Kratsios, to oversee efforts in expanding AI learning opportunities.

The order directs the Departments of Education and Labor to offer AI courses and certification programs for high school students and to collaborate with states on broader AI education initiatives. It also emphasizes training educators to integrate AI into classrooms and directs the National Science Foundation to research AI's role in education. Additionally, the Labor Department will expand AI apprenticeships.

A key part of the plan is the Presidential AI Challenge, which will highlight AI achievements by students and educators and foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia. Despite bipartisan support for AI in education, questions remain about its implementation, especially after significant cuts to the Education Department.

Trump also signed six other education-related orders on April 23, targeting issues like "woke ideology" in university accreditation and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He emphasized the importance of AI, noting massive investments in the field.

While both Democrats and Republicans agree on the need for AI education, they differ on the federal government's role. Additionally, a lawsuit is pending over the mass layoffs at the Education Department, with a court hearing set for April 25.