Indiana is a national leader in computer science education. We must now lead in AI literacy
When Nextech launched in 2014, only 18 percent of Indiana schools offered computer science (CS) classes. Together with other community leaders, we helped transform that landscape, proving we could lead.
Today, 91 percent of our high schools offer a foundational CS course, and Code.org’s 2024 State of Computer Science Education Report recognized Indiana as one of just 11 states with a CS graduation requirement.
It’s time to lead again. This time, by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) literacy into every student’s educational experience.
As we close out national CS Education Week, we’re asking parents, educators, policy makers and other community leaders to join us in this critical effort.
AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s reshaping every corner of our economy, our communities and our classrooms. Students already use tools like ChatGPT every day, often with little guidance on how to evaluate, question or responsibly apply them. Without intentional instruction, students may treat AI as an unquestioned source of truth rather than a powerful tool that requires critical thinking, ethical awareness and technical understanding.
Indiana students are entering an economy where AI fluency is already approaching a foundational need. McKinsey reports that 88 percent of U.S. companies regularly use AI in at least one business function, compared with 78 percent a year ago. In a separate report, McKinsey said 92 percent of US companies plan to increase investment in generative AI over the next three years.
Nextech was built for this moment. Through partnerships with teachers, school districts and employers, we have the infrastructure and experience to help Indiana lead in AI education, just as we have in CS.
To prepare students for a world being reshaped by AI, we must empower them to be critical consumers and responsible creators of these technologies. CS classrooms offer a natural context for this. AI is a branch of CS, so understanding AI depends on strong CS fundamentals. AI literacy must become core learning for all students and educators so they:
- Understand how AI works
- Recognize AI’s benefits and limitations
- Use AI safely and responsibly
- Identify its social, ethical, and economic impacts, and
- Know how to navigate risks and maximize positive outcomes
But teachers can’t deliver high-quality AI instruction without support. They need resources, professional development and updated standards that reflect today’s technologies.
To lead at this important juncture, Indiana must:
- Integrate AI into Computer Science standards,
- Secure funding for teacher professional development, and
- Update graduation pathway courses to explicitly include AI.
By embracing AI literacy, Indiana can strengthen its workforce pipeline, support innovation and prepare students for work-based learning experiences that lead to high-demand careers. And we can ensure every student, regardless of background or ZIP code, has access to the opportunities AI will create.
This is not a task for educators alone. Employers must articulate their needs, support school partnerships and advocate for investments that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. Policymakers and community leaders must support the curriculum changes.
AI is not going away. The decisions we make in the next few years will shape not just our classrooms, but Indiana’s economic future for decades.