Young Americans Want AI Training — But Aren’t Getting It
Nearly three in four young Americans believe that learning to use artificial intelligence responsibly is essential preparation for both their careers and their lives. Yet most say they never received such training in high school, according to the report, The Role of AI in Higher Education: Young Voices, New Visions.
The study — part of the “Reimagining Higher Education” series by the Sine Institute of Policy & Politics at American University in Washington, D.C. that surveyed Americans aged 18 to 34 — found that 72% rate responsible AI training as at least somewhat important, with majorities across gender, race, age, and political affiliation agreeing. But more than three-quarters reported that AI was either “not covered” in their high school education or was actively discouraged.
Only 7% said they were encouraged to use it, underscoring what the report calls a serious gap between the importance young people place on AI and the reality of their educational experiences.
HIGHER ED EXPECTATIONS
Young Americans expect colleges and universities to fill that gap. A strong majority said schools should hire and train more qualified instructors to teach AI and responsible practices, and significant numbers also favored requiring AI training for first-year students, creating new AI-centered majors, and using AI tools to expand personalized tutoring.
Conducted in partnership with Future Caucus, the Close Up Foundation, American University’s Kogod School of Business, and a team of student advisors, research for the new study was fielded by Generation Lab. The survey included 1,214 online interviews of Americans ages 18 to 34, regardless of voter registration status, conducted September 5-13, 2025.
The report shows young people’s current habits with AI are uneven. While 38% use AI tools regularly for school, work, or personal use, nearly half (48%) have only experimented with them, and 14% have never tried them at all. Demographic breakdowns show men (48%), Republicans (48%), and urban residents (43%) are the most frequent users, while non-college track students (24%) and rural residents (31%) lag behind.