National 4-H Council and Microsoft have extended their collaboration with a new 10 million investment aimed at AI education for young people in rural communities. Over the past eight years, the partnership has supported digital skills programs and reached more than a million students through initiatives such as the AI Foundations curriculum delivered via Minecraft Education. Current research from both organizations shows growing interest in AI among youth, along with a need for more guidance and accessible learning tools, particularly in rural areas where awareness with AI remain lower.
The renewed partnership focuses on educator training, responsible AI use, and learning opportunities. Planned efforts include providing AI-focused modules for land-grant university educators, train-the-trainer programs for local 4-H leaders, and national challenges that encourage students to apply AI to issues in their own communities. The initiative aligns with 4-H’s Beyond Ready goal to reach 10 million young people by 2030.
Examples of youth-led work, such as a student-developed AI system for detecting crop disease, highlight how participants are beginning to use technology in practical contexts. Through continued collaboration, 4-H and Microsoft aim to support wider access to AI education and skill-building for the next generation.
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