By Alice Chambers |
National 4-H Council, the largest youth development organisation in the USA, and Microsoft are committing $10 million to equip young people with AI skills through Microsoft Minecraft Education.
The partnership, which began in 2017, aims to expand digital skills in rural communities and reach 10 million youth by 2030 through the ‘Beyond Ready’ initiative.
“AI is already part of everyday life,” said Jill Bramble, CEO of National 4-H Council. “Our job is to make sure young people – especially those in rural areas – understand how to use it responsibly and creatively.”
The program includes training university educators in AI fundamentals, offering structured modules and workshops, and providing hands-on opportunities for young people to apply AI to real-world challenges in their communities.
“For more than a century, 4‑H has been a cornerstone of opportunity and learning in rural America, helping generations build skills that strengthen communities,” said Justin Spelhaug, president of Microsoft Elevate. “We’re proud to build on that legacy and deepen our partnership to bring AI education and capacity building to classrooms and counties nationwide. Together, we can ensure that every young person – no matter where they live – has the tools to thrive in an AI-driven future.”