The Growing Demand for Tech-Literate Students

In a bold and unified move, more than 250 CEOs from some of America’s most influential companies—such as Microsoft, Uber, LinkedIn, Etsy, and Salesforce—have signed an open letter addressed to U.S. state governors and educational leaders. The message is clear: integrating computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) into K-12 education must become a national priority. As technological advancement continues to reshape the workforce, these business leaders argue that the country’s educational system must evolve to ensure students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Many of the CEOs highlighted that the current curriculum is outdated and disconnected from the digital demands of the modern economy, putting future generations—and the U.S. itself—at a competitive disadvantage globally.

The open letter also outlines an economic rationale behind the push. According to recent studies, students who take even one computer science class in high school can earn up to 8% higher wages, regardless of whether they continue into tech careers or attend college. This finding supports the idea that tech literacy isn’t just a career-specific skill—it’s a foundational tool for critical thinking and economic mobility. With automation and AI adoption expanding across industries, the CEOs stress that computational thinking and digital fluency must be core competencies, not optional ones.

While countries like China, South Korea, Brazil, and Singapore have already mandated computer science or AI as part of their national school curricula, the U.S. remains fragmented in its efforts. Only 12 U.S. states currently require computer science as a high school graduation requirement,00000000000000000000000 and access to such courses is especially limited in low-income districts and rural schools. This has created a significant equity gap, where some students are equipped for the future job market while others are left behind. The CEOs argue that without a unified and inclusive approach to computer science education, America risks widening its opportunity divide—and falling behind international competitors in innovation and tech leadership.

Why AI & CS in Classrooms Matter: CEO Perspectives

The open letter does more than highlight concerns; it lays out a compelling vision for why mandatory computer science and AI education matters now more than ever. Here are some of the key reasons cited by the CEOs:

• Workforce Preparedness: Employers are seeking digitally fluent workers who can use, understand, and even build AI systems. Introducing these skills early prepares students for diverse career paths—not just in tech.
• Equity in Opportunity: Mandatory AI and CS classes help bridge the gap for underrepresented groups, ensuring equal access to future-ready skills.
• Economic Mobility: Exposure to computer science leads to significantly better job prospects, increased wages, and broader career options.
• National Competitiveness: In an AI-driven world, a tech-educated population is critical for maintaining global leadership in innovation.
• Civic Understanding: As AI becomes more integrated into daily life—from finance to healthcare to law—it’s essential for citizens to understand how these systems work and how they affect society.

The call to action is not just for curriculum change, but for system-wide investment in training teachers, developing inclusive content, and ensuring every student—regardless of background—has access to high-quality tech education.

A Long-Term Vision for the Future

The CEOs’ letter aligns with recent policy efforts to emphasize early STEM education, including federal initiatives and nonprofit campaigns like Code.org’s “Unlock8,” which is named after the 8% wage bump linked to computer science education. These campaigns aim to influence both policy and public opinion by underscoring how AI and digital skills are no longer optional in the modern world. What sets this particular push apart is the weight of its support: rarely do so many major executives come together to urge state-level education reform on such a specific topic. Their message is urgent and unanimous—act now, or risk leaving the next generation behind.

As AI becomes embedded in nearly every industry, from manufacturing to marketing, America’s youth must not just adapt to new tools—they must understand and shape them. Mandating AI and computer science education isn’t just a forward-thinking idea; it’s a necessary investment in the country’s economic future and technological resilience.