Microsoft, Amazon Announce New Commitments to Support Presidential AI Challenge
At the Sept. 4 meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education, Microsoft and Amazon unveiled new commitments to expanding AI education and skills training. The meeting, hosted by First Lady Melania Trump, brought together members of the task force and private sector leaders in support of the Presidential AI Challenge and the White House's Pledge to America's Youth.
"I predict AI will represent the single largest growth category in our nation during the Trump Administration — and I won't be surprised if AI becomes known as the greatest engine of progress in the history of the United States of America," commented First Lady Trump, in a statement. "But, as leaders and parents we must manage AI's growth responsibly. During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance. We are living in a moment of wonder, and it is our responsibility to prepare America's children."
"AI is the defining technology of our time and we empower people to use it will shape our country's future," said Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella. "At Microsoft we believe delivering on the real promise of AI depends on how broadly it's diffused. And for us that comes down to three things: First, empowering teachers and students with the latest AI tools. Second, building AI skills. With AI moving fast than any technology in history, the only way to keep up is learning by doing and getting credit for it. Third, creating economic opportunity. Every American should be able to showcase their AI skills and credentials to find new jobs and grow their careers. This flywheel across empowerment, skilling, and new opportunity is what we want to accelerate."
Microsoft announced the following initiatives:
- Free 12-month access to Copilot in Microsoft 365 for college students;
- Expanded access to Copilot for students and teachers in K-12 schools;
- $1.25 million in educators grants through the Presidential AI Challenge;
- Free LinkedIn Learning AI courses for students and teachers;
- Free AI training and certifications for community college faculty and staff, through new and expanded partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Applied AI Consortium; and
- A LinkedIn Learning AI Learning Challenge offering five days of intensive, free AI education for job seekers.
Amazon pledged the following:
- By 2028, Amazon will support AI skills training for 4 million U.S. learners and enable AI curricula for 10,000 U.S. educators;
- Amazon will provide up to $30 million in AWS promotional credits for eligible organizations to use cloud and AI technology to support students and educators in the U.S.;
- As part of the Presidential AI Challenge, Amazon will contribute up to $200,000 in AWS credits, $1.5 million in cash prizes, and technical guidance for educators who are supporting student teams with their AI solutions.
- In collaboration with PlayLabAI, Amazon is establishing a $500,000 fund to sponsor select school districts for the 2025-2026 academic year, to help with professional development for educators on AI fundamentals, classroom-ready AI tools, and curriculum resources.
- Amazon will continue supporting educators and students through its AWS Academy and Amazon Future Engineer programs.
For more information, read the Microsoft and Amazon blog posts.
About the Author
Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].