In brief: A powerful coalition of more than 250 CEOs and technology leaders is uniting to advocate for computer science and AI education to become a mandatory part of the K – 12 curriculum across the US. The initiative, called “Unlock8,” is led by Code.org and CSforALL. Its goal is to ensure that every student acquires essential skills needed to thrive in a world where artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly central role.

The campaign emphasizes new research showing that taking just one high school computer science course can boost early career earnings by eight percent, regardless of a graduate’s eventual profession. It also references a World Economic Forum report that identifies expertise in AI and data as the most sought-after capability by employers over the next five years.

Code.org President Cameron Wilson noted that computer science and AI skills will equip students to adapt as the economy undergoes rapid transformation. He added that this is why leading CEOs are advocating for states to require CS and AI coursework, rather than offering it merely as an elective.

All states have taken steps in recent years to expand access to computer science education, and 39 now provide dedicated funding – up from just nine in 2017. However, only a dozen states currently require computer science as a high school graduation requirement. As a result, just 6.4 percent of students took a CS course last year. The new campaign aims to significantly raise that number.

A key ad for the campaign poses the question: “How can students build the future if the necessary education is still treated as an elective?” It directs viewers to a website where they can support an open letter signed by prominent tech leaders, including Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Airbnb’s Brian Chesky, Uber’s Dara Khosrowshahi, and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Historically, Code.org has focused on broadening access to CS education by encouraging states to allow computer science to count toward existing graduation requirements. Now, the organization is calling for universal participation, citing the rapid integration of AI across industries and the urgent need for widespread technological literacy.

Katy Knight, Chair of CSforALL, stated that making CS and AI education mandatory nationwide would increase student success, narrow wage gaps, and prepare the next generation for a future shaped by artificial intelligence.