Schools and colleges in the U.S. are increasingly introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into education not just as a concept but as a practical skill for future careers. Programs like the Presidential AI Challenge — part of a federal AI action plan — aim to train students in the responsible use of AI tools so they can enter an AI-assisted workforce with confidence and understanding, helping demystify technology while promoting scientific and innovation-oriented thinking.
At the community level in Montana, organizations such as Code Girls United are engaging students in hands-on AI work through competitions and projects that use platforms like MIT App Inventor. These challenges combine AI awareness with problem-solving for real community issues — for example, creating apps related to mental health, bullying prevention, or outdoor activities — while helping learners discuss ethical questions about deepfakes and AI use. Peer-to-peer video series from grassroots “AI Academies” teach AI concepts and spark discussions about ethics and real-world impacts.
Colleges are also adapting coursework to include AI as a tool and a topic of critical thinking. Instructors at Flathead Valley Community College are encouraging students to use AI to enhance learning — such as generating interview practice questions, preparing study quizzes, or producing ethical visual projects — while also emphasizing that students must verify AI output and not rely on it blindly. Educators stress that AI should be used to support critical thinking and creativity, not replace original student thought.
Not all faculty embrace AI in the same way — some restrict its use in certain assignments or exams to ensure core skills are developed independently. Across the board, the educational focus is on ethical literacy, practical application, and human judgment alongside technology, giving students both the tools to leverage AI effectively and the grounding to understand its limitations.
