'US Is Falling Behind': CEOs of Microsoft, Adobe, IBM And 200+ Firms Warn America’s Kids Aren’t Future-Ready — Here’s Why

CEOs of top tech companies, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella, Adobe's Shantanu Narayen, IBM's Arvind Krishna, and Cognizant's Ravi Kumar S, have signed a petition warning that US students are falling behind in prepping for an AI-driven future.

A powerful coalition of more than 200 CEOs — including top executives from Airbnb, Uber, LinkedIn, and Salesforce — have urged US policymakers to make computer science and AI mandatory in K-12 education.

"In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future — to be AI creators, not just consumers," the letter states, citing how countries like Brazil, China, South Korea, and Singapore have already made computer science or AI compulsory for every student.

The list of signatories includes notable figures such as Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer — all uniting behind the same message: US students risk falling behind if education systems don’t evolve quickly.

The campaign points to research indicating that just one high school computer science course can boost wages by 8% for all students, regardless of their chosen careers. Supporters argue that making these courses a requirement, rather than an elective, could unlock $660 billion in annual economic potential and help bridge long-standing income and skills disparities.

At present, only 12 states require students to take even basic computer science. While all 50 states have introduced measures to expand access over the past decade, the CEOs believe current efforts fall short in the face of rapidly evolving AI and tech-driven job markets.

Led by bipartisan-backed groups such as Code.org and CSforALL, the initiative stresses that computer science is not solely about growing the tech workforce — it’s about empowering every student with essential digital literacy and problem-solving skills for the future.

"This is not just an educational issue; it's about closing skills and income gaps that have persisted for generations," the letter further states, calling on educators, lawmakers, and communities to support this transformative shift in education.

This is possible, today — if we include computer science and AI as a core part of every student’s education.

Just one high school computer science course boosts wages by 8% for all students, regardless of career path or whether they attend college.

Yet, most students never even try computer science, because it’s not a graduation requirement. Only 12 states require students to learn even basic computer science.

This is not just an educational issue; it’s about closing skills and income gaps that have persisted for generations.

It’s also about keeping America competitive. Countries like Brazil, China, S. Korea, and Singapore have already made computer science or AI mandatory for every student. The United States is falling behind.

In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future — to be AI creators, not just consumers. A basic foundation in computer science and AI is crucial for helping every student thrive in a technology-driven world. Without it, they risk falling behind.

How can we accept this? We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation for the new American Dream. We owe it to them to provide an education that reflects the demands of our time.

Change is already underway. This movement has bipartisan support from leaders on both sides of the aisle. In the past 10 years, all 50 states have taken steps forward, and 100,000 teachers have started teaching computer science.

But we can’t stop here. We must make computer science and AI a required part of every school’s curriculum. Together, we can unlock $660 billion in opportunity for everyday Americans, close wage gaps and ensure our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”

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