The integration of artificial intelligence into classrooms and the economy is getting a $4 billion boost in cash and technology services commitments from tech giant Microsoft which has unveiled two new initiatives to accelerate the “AI race.”
Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smath announced on July 9 that the $4 billion will be distributed over the next five years in the form of “cash and AI and cloud technology” to support K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and nonprofits as they “advance their missions.”
Microsoft is also launching a new training program – Microsoft Elevate Academy – which will provide 20 million people with certificates in AI while delivering “AI education and skilling at scale,” and acting as an advocate for global policies that “advance AI education and training for others.”
“For a student wondering what to study, a teacher rethinking how to teach, or a business owner managing a workforce – artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical. It’s personal. And it’s why we believe some of the most important work ahead isn’t just building smarter machines – it’s ensuring those machines help people thrive,” wrote Smith in a blog post on the company’s website.
“That’s why today we’re announcing Microsoft Elevate and the AI Economy Institute – to ensure that as AI transforms our world, we’re putting people first by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive with AI,” he continued.
The newly created Microsoft AI Economy Institute will work with the AI training center, which will function as a “new kind of corporate think tank” to convene researchers to “explore how AI is reshaping work, education, and productivity” while changing insights into “real-world solutions.”
Microsoft has not specified how much of its $4 billion commitment will be dispensed as grants or in the form of various services.
The announcement comes after the company said it plans to lay off 9,000 employees and as it joins ranks with other AI initiatives – including the National Academy for AI Instruction – which is led by the American Federation of Teachers to educate teachers on integrating AI into the classroom.
Microsoft also recently signed onto the White House’s pledge to provide K-12 students with resources – such as grants, curriculum and materials, and technology – to ready them for a future AI-driven economy.
The moves come as the Trump administration leads the charge on AI education and integration but has asked industry to step up and fund those efforts through technical and financial resources.