WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A new executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday aims to integrate artificial intelligence education throughout American schools, potentially impacting districts across Central Georgia.
The order establishes a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education and directs multiple federal agencies to develop AI training resources for students and teachers within the next 90 to 180 days.
“It is the policy of the United States to promote AI literacy and proficiency among Americans by promoting the appropriate integration of AI into education, providing comprehensive AI training for educators, and fostering early exposure to AI concepts and technology,” the executive order states.
While Houston County schools currently have no AI programs in place, according to district officials, Central Georgia Technical College has already implemented AI technology in its educational approach.
“Central Georgia Tech students have access to a closed AI tutor environment where they can interact with AI, learn how to generate prompts, use it to help them with study, but it’s also monitored and it’s closed,” said Allison Repzynski, executive director for library and academic support services at CGTC.
The executive order calls for the creation of public-private partnerships between schools, government agencies, and technology companies to develop curriculum and resources for teaching AI concepts from kindergarten through 12th grade.
“We are using it in our different program areas, for example, in industrial systems, we’re teaching robotics and AI for the new generation of machining and factories,” Repzynski said.
The order also directs the Secretary of Labor to increase participation in AI-related registered apprenticeships and encourages states to use funding provided under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to develop AI skills training programs.
When asked about the executive order’s feasibility, Repzynski acknowledged implementation challenges.
“I do think it will be challenging, but it is a rapidly evolving technology that they will need to address in some capacity,” she said.
Repzynski compared current hesitation about AI in education to past technological innovations.
“When I talk to folks who are a little hesitant, I gently remind them, when the internet was invented, we banned it from the classroom because we were terrified that people would not learn if they could just look it up,” Repzynski said. “But I think what we learned is that these are tools and if we’re taught how to use them properly, they just make us smarter, more efficient and better at our job.”
The executive order does not specify funding amounts or sources for the initiatives, instead stating implementation is “subject to the availability of appropriations.” The White House says it will rely on existing government programs and private-sector partnerships.
Under the order, federal agencies must establish a Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge within 90 days to “encourage and highlight student and educator achievements in AI.”
CGTC launched its AI tutor program in fall 2024, according to Repzynski, providing students with a secure environment to practice AI interactions while protecting their privacy.
“AI will expand our ability to support them. They can ask questions at 4 a.m.,” Repzynski said. “They’ll check with that AI tutor on how to make their writing more exciting. They’ll ask it about changing the format in their word document.”
The order specifies that by the end of July, the Secretary of Education must issue guidance regarding the use of formula and discretionary grant funds to improve education outcomes using AI, including “AI-based high-quality instructional resources; high-impact tutoring; and college and career pathway exploration, advising, and navigation.”
