Introduction
Artificial intelligence is already shaping how young people learn, create, and prepare for work. But while AI adoption among teens has accelerated rapidly, access to guidance, instruction, and meaningful opportunities to build AI skills has not kept pace.
Drawing on a national survey of 3,000 students in grades 7-12, this report explores how teens are using AI, how schools are shaping that use, how prepared students feel for an AI-enabled workforce, and where gaps in access and opportunity are emerging.
Key Findings
- AI is already part of teens' everyday lives. More than four in five teens report using AI tools, yet many say they are receiving little guidance on how to use them effectively or responsibly in school.
- Schools play a critical role in shaping AI use. Students who report greater teacher encouragement are more likely to use AI as a learning tool, not just an answer machine, and are more likely to feel prepared for an AI-shaped future.
- Many students don't feel ready for what's next. While most teens are familiar with AI, relatively few feel confident they have the AI skills they'll need for future careers, highlighting a growing preparation gap.
- Existing inequities risk becoming AI inequities. Differences in AI guidance, readiness, and confidence closely mirror broader disparities tied to school resources and socioeconomic opportunity, raising concerns that AI could widen existing educational and workforce gaps if left unaddressed.
- The future isn't predetermined. With intentional investment in AI literacy, educator support, and equitable career-connected learning, schools and communities have an opportunity to ensure AI expands opportunity rather than deepens inequity.
