In a significant initiative to enhance AI literacy among the youth, 4-H and Microsoft Corp. have identified a pressing need for educational support, as 72 percent of young individuals express a desire for guidance from adults in effectively utilizing AI tools. This collaboration aims to skill up 1.4 million youth across the nation at no cost, leveraging the innovative Minecraft Education’s new AI Foundations curriculum.
Empowering Educators and Students
The program features a series of engaging online animated videos tailored to foster AI understanding among students, educators, and families, particularly in small and rural communities. Throughout the academic year, 4-H will conduct “train the trainer” sessions for educators, equipping them with the resources to introduce real-world scenarios through the AI Adventure Series. This includes modules such as AI for Good: Solving Problems with AI and AI in Action: Using AI Tools Responsibly.
Heather Elliott, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at the National 4-H Council, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are proud to partner with Microsoft to bring AI learning tools to our educators as they teach these critically important skills to our youth. Teens are faced with an increasingly changing world where they must prepare for careers that haven’t been designed yet. Educational offerings, like Minecraft, will help them be engaged in learning, be on the cutting edge of technology, and be beyond ready for their future.”
As the prevalence of AI systems grows in both home and school environments, there is a crucial need for young people to develop a foundational understanding of AI operations. The AI Foundations program serves as a valuable supplement to core curricula, while families are encouraged to engage in discussions and gameplay together using Minecraft Education, a widely adopted game-based learning platform utilized by millions of educators and students worldwide.
Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies, highlighted the transformative potential of AI, stating, “AI offers tremendous potential to transform businesses, solve global problems, and unleash creativity — but only if everyone, everywhere has the skills to use it, especially in smaller and more rural communities. This effort builds on Microsoft’s longstanding alliance with 4-H, working to empower young people with needed skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”
