NYC parents call for AI-themed high school to prep kids for future of tech

Deirdre Bardolf
Kids working on computers, left; top right showing high school building; bottom right, CCHS member Ben Morden headshot
Kids working on computers, left; top right showing high school building; bottom right, CCHS member Ben Morden headshot

New York City parents are calling for the creation of a cutting-edge high school focused on artificial intelligence.

Five parent members of the Citywide Council on High Schools co-sponsored a resolution recommending a specialized school that would integrate AI into the core subjects, set a national precedent and promote competition with other countries.

“New York City serves as a hub for technological innovation, capital investment, and entrepreneurship, making it an ideal location for fostering AI talent,” the parents said in the resolution, which was written with assistance from AI.

New York City parents are calling for an AI-themed high school to prepare students to be contenders in the growing tech sector. Getty Images
New York City parents are calling for an AI-themed high school to prepare students to be contenders in the growing tech sector. Getty Images
An AI curriculum would prepare New York City students for the growing industry and allow them to keep up with other cities and countries in terms of development, research and innovation, parents argue.
An AI curriculum would prepare New York City students for the growing industry and allow them to keep up with other cities and countries in terms of development, research and innovation, parents argue.

“Delaying the establishment of an AI-themed public high school in New York City would result in a missed opportunity to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the AI field,” they continued.

The proposal will be voted on at a meeting Wednesday.

The demand for AI workers is exceeding supply and growth in the industry — which is expected to reach $190 billion by next year — is moving significantly faster than other occupations, the group argued.

The resolution recommends a curriculum including computer science courses; concentrations in AI, machine learning and robotics; collaborations with universities and industry partners; and cutting-edge equipment and labs.

Benjamin Morden, a Manhattan representative on the Citywide Council on High Schools, penned a resolution recommending an AI-focused high school. X/BenMorden
Benjamin Morden, a Manhattan representative on the Citywide Council on High Schools, penned a resolution recommending an AI-focused high school. X/BenMorden
The AI industry is growing fast, and predicted to reach $190 billion by next year. Getty Images
The AI industry is growing fast, and predicted to reach $190 billion by next year. Getty Images

“AI is ubiquitous, it’s everywhere,” said CCHS member Benjamin Morden, the main sponsor of the resolution. “Let’s expand AI instruction in high schools so students can pursue AI careers because they have unknowingly already started on that path.”

“I sincerely hope that AI industry leading companies from Google to Microsoft to Nvidia will support this effort to create an AI-themed high school in NYC by donating resources, expertise and funds,” he added.

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