The push for increased computer science education coincides with a reported shortage of qualified STEM teachers, highlighting the need for expanded teacher training.

The Unlock8 campaign aims to influence policy changes that ensure foundational skills in AI and computer science are accessible to every student.

Over 250 CEOs from major companies, including Microsoft, Airbnb, and American Airlines, have signed an open letter advocating for mandatory computer science and AI education for K-12 students in the U.S.

This letter, organized by education nonprofits Code.org and CSforALL, was published as a full-page ad in The New York Times on May 4, 2025.

Despite progress in expanding computer science education, only a dozen states currently require it for high school graduation, with just 6.4% of students enrolled in CS courses last year.

The letter emphasizes the urgency of preparing students to be creators of AI technology rather than mere consumers, stressing the risk of falling behind in global competition.

The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2050, 60% of jobs will undergo significant changes due to AI, necessitating a workforce equipped with relevant skills.

Research indicates that taking just one high school computer science course can increase early career earnings by 8%, regardless of the graduate's career path.

While there are concerns about the impact of generative AI tools on critical thinking, the letter highlights the importance of AI literacy for future workforce participation.

Access to AI and computer science education is uneven across the U.S., with rural and underserved communities often lacking resources.

Despite challenges, there has been progress in recruiting computer science educators, with over 100,000 new teachers entering the field in the past decade.

Tech leaders argue that knowledge of AI is as essential as math and reading for success in the modern workforce.