White House AI pledge backed by 60+ organizations, including big hitters Amazon and Google
Tech giants and education companies pledge to support K–12 artificial intelligence learning under new White House initiative targeting national upskilling.
More than 60 companies and organizations have signed the White House’s “Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education,” a federal initiative aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence education for K–12 students across the United States.
The pledge supports President Trump’s executive order, Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for America’s Youth, and is being implemented by the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education. Participating organizations have committed to delivering funding, curricula, training, mentorship, and other resources over the next four years.
Signatories include major U.S. technology companies such as Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI, alongside educational organizations and service providers including Cognizant and Cengage.
Cognizant among corporate supporters
Cognizant will contribute to the pledge through Synapse, its global upskilling initiative, which aims to train one million individuals in advanced technologies such as AI by 2026.
Ravi Kumar S., Chief Executive Officer at Cognizant, says: “We are honored to be among the first to join the White House's pledge to invest in AI education for America's youth. At Cognizant, we recognize the critical importance of investing in upskilling local communities. This pledge underscores our commitment to equip the next generation with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the AI era. We're not only fostering curiosity in technology but also ensuring a brighter future for all.”
AI literacy as national priority
The pledge is designed to make AI education accessible to young learners and support schools and educators with the tools and training necessary to integrate AI into instruction and community settings.
Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Chair of the AI Education Task Force, says: “Fostering young people’s interest and expertise in artificial intelligence is crucial to maintaining American technological dominance. These initial pledges from American organizations will help create new educational and workforce development opportunities for our students.”
Government agencies cite alignment with workforce needs
Federal agencies including the Departments of Labor, Energy, Education, and Agriculture have welcomed the pledge as a step toward preparing students for the future workforce.
Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the initiative helps ensure that students gain “skills they need in AI literacy to drive innovation and become empowered leaders of tomorrow.” Secretary of Energy Chris Wright adds: “To secure America’s future, the United States must win the AI race.”
Brian Stone, performing the duties of Director at the National Science Foundation, says: “Equipping young people with the tools to understand and shape artificial intelligence is not only a matter of national competitiveness—it is an investment in a more innovative, prosperous and informed future.”
Next steps and continued rollout
The White House plans to share further updates on specific grants, partnerships, and technology deployments aligned with the pledge in the year ahead.
Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, comments: “It is clear there is a lot of energy about AI and how it can be used responsibly in education. The resources and tools that have been pledged through this initiative will help our teachers and learners leverage AI in classrooms and communities across America.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in theGarden Room.
Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
Key 2025 dates
Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days
Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.
