Latest news with #WIT
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
AI And Entrepreneurship Education: Preparing Students To Lead
preparing students to lead in an AI-driven world Research indicates a fivefold increase in demand for AI skills, yet most schools still ban the use of ChatGPT. A recent survey found that 70% of graduates believe generative AI should be integrated into coursework, and more than half said they felt unprepared for the workforce. At the same time, 66% of teens aged 13-17 express interest in starting their own businesses, according to Junior Achievement data. The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn't teaching them how. While schools debate AI policies, forward-thinking programs are already training middle schoolers to launch AI-powered ventures and solve real problems. They're not preparing students for tomorrow's job market. They're teaching them to create it. Real-World Learning Replaces Theoretical Education The most effective programs abandon traditional classroom simulations in favor of authentic business creation. Students don't earn grades—they gain customers, revenue, and practical skills that transfer directly to college applications and future careers. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), which I started in 2009, teens launch actual businesses and social movements that address real community problems. In the college-credit programs, students pitch for actual prize money, receive real-time coaching from successful entrepreneurs, and develop presentations that have landed participants in major publications. We ask participants one question: "What problem are you passionate about solving?" We then provide the tools, mentorship, and structure to help them build effective solutions. WIT has worked with over 10,000 young people, providing leadership and entrepreneurial education through hands-on experience. The results speak volumes—our alumni consistently report higher confidence levels, stronger college applications, and clearer career direction compared to peers who only engage in traditional academic activities or simulation business programs. This shift toward authentic learning experiences isn't limited to K-12 education. As the demand for AI skills explodes across industries, universities are also abandoning traditional lecture-based models in favor of programs that prepare students to create rather than just consume technology. Universities Embrace AI Integration University of South Florida (USF) made history as the first university in Florida—and among the first nationally—to create an entire college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity. The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing will welcome 3,000 students this fall, with plans to double enrollment in the first five years. The timing reflects urgent market demands. Research indicates a fivefold increase in demand for AI skills in U.S. jobs, while more than 40% of organizations report being unable to find enough qualified cybersecurity professionals. The National Science Foundation awarded over $800 million for AI-related research in a single year. "As AI and cybersecurity quickly evolve, the demand for professionals skilled in these areas continues to grow," USF President Rhea Law explained. "Through the expertise of our faculty and our strong partnerships with the business community, the University of South Florida is strategically positioned to be a global leader in these fields." Dr. John Licato, Associate Professor at The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, puts this educational shift in perspective: 'AI and cybersecurity already touch every single job on earth. Universities everywhere are trying to incorporate these technologies into their programs so students can practically leverage them, but at the same time further develop their own critical thinking and reasoning.' USF Provost Dr. Prasant Mohapatra told me, "We're not just producing job seekers—we're producing job creators." The college leverages USF's existing strengths—approximately 200 faculty members already conduct research in related disciplines—while positioning the Tampa Bay region as a technology hub. USF's bold move breaks from traditional models of higher education. Most universities incorporate AI courses into their existing programs. USF built an entire college around emerging technologies, combining technical training with business education because students need both skills to succeed. Bridging the K-12 AI Knowledge Gap Teenagers already use AI tools regularly. Data shows 63% of U.S. teens use chatbots and text generators for schoolwork. Yet most schools ban these tools or label them as cheating. This creates a problem: students learn AI exists, but not how to use it ethically. WIT created WITY to fill this gap. Our AI platform helps teens develop business ideas and conduct market research to inform their entrepreneurial endeavors. Students learn to work with AI without losing their creativity or critical thinking abilities. USF also works with younger students. The Bellini College offers workshops for K-12 students through partnerships with education programs. These sessions introduce kids to AI concepts through hands-on projects. Dr. Mohapatra shared his philosophy with me: 'We want to show kids that AI isn't something to fear. It's something they can learn to use responsibly and creatively.' AI Success Metrics That Matter Programs that successfully prepare students for an AI-driven economy share several characteristics: Authentic challenges: Students tackle real problems with genuine consequences, not hypothetical scenarios designed for assessment. Interdisciplinary approach: Effective programs integrate technology, business, ethics, and social impact rather than teaching these subjects in isolation. Confidence development: Students learn self-advocacy, self-worth, and self-value through entrepreneurial experiences. These capabilities transfer to college applications, job interviews, and leadership roles. Early exposure: Rather than waiting until senior year, these programs introduce innovative thinking in middle school and early high school. Research supports this approach. A 2022 Gallup survey found that students involved in entrepreneurship programs were 34% more likely to develop leadership skills and 41% more likely to report feeling prepared for future careers. The AI Competitive Advantage Students emerging from these programs possess advantages that traditional education alone cannot provide. They understand how to identify market opportunities, collaborate effectively with AI tools, and communicate their ideas clearly to diverse audiences. College admissions officers increasingly recognize entrepreneurship as a marker of leadership, innovation, and problem-solving ability. Students who can demonstrate how they built something from the ground up bring more than just an application; they get a track record of action. These experiences provide rich material for personal statements and interviews while demonstrating the initiative and resilience that colleges value in their incoming classes. Building Tomorrow's AI-Driven Economy Today Programs that combine AI literacy with entrepreneurial education create an exponential multiplier effect. Students don't just learn to use existing tools—they develop the creative mindset to identify problems that AI can solve and the business acumen to turn those solutions into viable ventures. The students graduating from these programs represent a new breed of innovator. They're not just prepared for an AI-driven economy—they're actively architecting it, armed with both deep technological fluency and the entrepreneurial skills to transform breakthrough ideas into market-changing impact. This represents a fundamental shift in educational philosophy—from preparing students for predetermined career paths in a static economy to empowering them to create entirely new industries and opportunities in our rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Forbes
06-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Business Ideas A Teen Entrepreneur Can Start Today With $0
teen entrepreneur celebrating launching a business Becoming a teen entrepreneur is gaining momentum. According to Junior Achievement, 66% of teens aged 13-17 express an interest in starting their businesses as adults. This shift represents more than a career trend—it signals a generation ready to create opportunities rather than wait for them. Many teenagers assume that starting a business requires a significant amount of capital. That assumption stops them before they begin. The reality? Most successful teen ventures start with existing skills, creativity, and minimal investment. Here are five accessible business models any motivated teen can launch today. 1. Academic Tutoring Services Parents actively seek affordable, reliable tutors who connect with their children, often preferring someone of a similar age who understands the current educational challenges their children face. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), the entrepreneurship program I founded in 2009, we've seen countless teens leverage their academic strengths into profitable tutoring services that require no upfront investment beyond time and expertise. Implementation strategy: Start with subjects where you consistently earn A's or higher. Create a concise one-page overview that highlights your qualifications, approach, and rates. Target families you know who have younger students who need support in your strongest subjects. Pricing approach: Charge $15-$30 per hour, depending on the subject complexity and local market rates. SAT/ACT prep and advanced subjects command higher fees. Virtual sessions eliminate transportation time, allowing you to serve more students efficiently. Growth potential: Secure 5-8 regular students at $20/hour for 2 hours weekly, and you'll generate $800-1,600 monthly. Word-of-mouth referrals drive sustainable growth in this field. 2. Social Media Management For Local Businesses Digital marketing skills that teens naturally develop can help solve real business problems. Many small business owners recognize the importance of social media, but they often lack the time or knowledge to manage it effectively. Service offerings: Content creation, post scheduling, basic graphic design, and community engagement. Focus on platforms where you already have experience, such as Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Getting started: Approach local businesses with a concrete proposal: "I'll create and schedule 12 posts for your social media accounts this month for $300." Include before/after examples from practice accounts or volunteer work. Start with one client to perfect your approach and track measurable results. Take screenshots of engagement increases and follower growth numbers. These concrete examples help you land additional clients. Revenue expectations: Managing 3-4 accounts effectively can generate $900-1,200 monthly. 3. Print-On-Demand Product Creation Artistic teens can earn money without having to purchase inventory upfront. Sites like Redbubble, Teespring, and Printful print your designs on products only after customers place an order. You upload artwork, set prices, and earn a percentage of the sale price when items sell. This works well for teens who draw, take photos, or create digital art. Your designs can appear on t-shirts, phone cases, notebooks, and a wide range of other products. Most platforms pay creators 10-20% of each sale. Getting started: Pick one category and stick with it initially. Animal lovers might design cat-themed products. Fitness enthusiasts could create motivational workout quotes. Regular uploads matter more than perfect designs when you're just starting out. Marketing approach: Post your design process on Instagram or TikTok. Join Facebook groups related to your niche. Message micro-influencers about potential collaborations. Building an audience takes months, not weeks, so patience pays off. Revenue expectations: Success varies widely, but consistent creators often earn $200-500 monthly after six months of regular uploads. Popular designs can generate passive income for years. 4. Event Support Services Parties and celebrations always need extra hands. Parents hosting birthday parties, families planning graduations, and organizations running fundraisers often hire teens to help with tasks they can't handle alone. Scaling strategy: Begin with one client to develop systems and prove results. Document engagement improvements and follower growth to attract additional clients. Once you manage 3-4 accounts efficiently, your monthly revenue can reach $900-$ 1,200. 4. Event Support Services Parties and celebrations always need extra hands. Parents hosting birthday parties, families planning graduations, and organizations running fundraisers often hire teens to help with tasks they can't handle alone. Service categories: Pre-event preparation, day-of coordination, entertainment assistance, and post-event cleanup. You can focus on specific areas like party decorating or crowd management for children's events. Client acquisition: Network through family connections, community centers, and local event venues. Create a simple portfolio showing before/after photos of events you've helped organize, even informal family gatherings. Revenue model: Charge $15-25 per hour depending on responsibilities and event complexity. Weekend events often command premium rates. Build relationships with event planners and venues for consistent referral opportunities. 5. Technology Support Services The digital divide presents opportunities for tech-savvy teens to assist seniors and small business owners in navigating modern technology. Services include smartphone setup, social media training, basic computer troubleshooting, and software installation. This business model works particularly well because it builds on skills teens already possess while serving a genuine market need. Many seniors want to stay connected digitally but feel overwhelmed by rapidly changing technology. Service offerings: Device setup, app installation, social media training, video calling instruction, and basic cybersecurity education. Focus on practical skills that improve daily life for your clients. Trust building: Start with family, friends, and neighbors to establish credibility. Request testimonials and referrals from satisfied clients. This business relies heavily on trust and word-of-mouth marketing. Pricing structure: Charge $20-$ 40 per session, depending on complexity and duration. Ongoing support contracts provide steady income—some teens offer monthly check-ins to maintain client relationships. How A Teen Entrepreneur Can Leverage Business Experience For College Running a business gives you stories that make admissions officers stop reading and pay attention. They see thousands of applications from students who played soccer or volunteered at hospitals. Far fewer describe how they built something from scratch. Colleges want students who take initiative and solve problems. Your tutoring business shows you identified a need in your community and figured out how to meet it. Your social media management service proves you can learn new skills and deliver results for clients. When you write about your business experience, skip the revenue numbers. Instead, tell the story of your biggest failure and what you learned from it. Describe the moment you realized your first approach wasn't working and how you pivoted. Explain how you convinced your first customer to trust a teenager with their business. As A Teen Entrepreneur Start Small The most crucial step is beginning. Choose one business model that matches your existing skills and interests. Start small, focus on delivering excellent service to initial clients, and reinvest profits to grow systematically. Your age can be an advantage rather than a limitation. Many customers appreciate working with young entrepreneurs who bring fresh energy and digital fluency to traditional service needs. The key is demonstrating professionalism and reliability regardless of your age. The entrepreneurial skills you develop today—customer service, financial management, marketing, and problem-solving—will serve you throughout your career, whether you continue building businesses or apply these capabilities in other fields.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Teens Should Develop An Entrepreneurial Mindset
Sarah Hernholm with WIT Teens speaking at SXSW EDU Teen entrepreneurship often gets reduced to viral success stories: young CEOs raising millions, app creators selling to tech giants, or social media stars monetizing their following. These narratives create a dangerous misconception that entrepreneurial success equals rapid financial gain, when the real foundation lies in developing an entrepreneurial mindset that shapes how young people approach challenges, relationships, and life itself. Sarah Hernholm, founder of WIT (Whatever It Takes), has spent 15 years working with more than 10,000 young entrepreneurs. Through this experience, she observed a troubling pattern: Teens often burn out if they are chasing dollar signs or using entrepreneurship as a resume for college applications . However, those who focus on developing an entrepreneurial mindset build sustainable success. Nashville, TN, Sarah Hernholm on local Channel 2 news "At WIT, we've learned that the students who succeed long-term aren't the ones chasing the biggest profit margins," Hernholm explains. "They're the ones who develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and genuine curiosity about the world around them. Those are the capabilities that create lasting success, whether they become business owners or choose completely different career paths." Why Money-First Thinking Undermines Entrepreneurial Mindset Consider the typical teen entrepreneur journey: They identify a trendy business opportunity, focus on potential revenue, and measure success through immediate financial returns. When the business requires more time and effort than expected—which it always does—they abandon the project. "If you're solely driven by the prospect of making money, you're likely to miss out on the deeper joy that comes from pursuing something that truly matters to you," Hernholm says. "It's easy to get caught up in the idea of creating something big and profitable, but if your heart isn't in it, you're not going to enjoy the process, and the business will likely fall short of your expectations." This money-first approach creates several problems: Misaligned motivation: Teens choose opportunities based on profit potential rather than personal interest or market need. Unsustainable effort: Without genuine passion, maintaining the energy required for business growth becomes impossible. Shallow learning: Focusing on financial outcomes prevents deeper skill development in problem-solving, leadership, and resilience. What Entrepreneurial Mindset Actually Means Entrepreneurial mindset encompasses specific cognitive and emotional capabilities that extend far beyond business creation: Problem identification and solution development: Entrepreneurs spot inefficiencies and imagine better systems. This skill applies to academic challenges, relationship conflicts, and community issues. Resilience through setbacks: Business ventures involve inevitable failures. Learning to separate personal worth from failed business outcomes builds emotional strength applicable to all life areas. Resource optimization: Entrepreneurs maximize limited resources. This translates to better time management, creative project approaches, and strategic thinking in academic and personal contexts. Customer empathy: Understanding others' needs and perspectives improves communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities. "At WIT, we focus on building character and a mindset that will help teens thrive no matter what path they choose," Hernholm explains. "We want teens to understand that entrepreneurship is about a journey of growth. If your mindset is rooted in learning, resilience, and passion, you're going to find success, no matter how long it takes or what shape it takes." These abilities matter beyond business creation. According to the World Economic Forum, creativity, critical thinking, and resilience rank among the top 10 skills employers will prioritize—all components of entrepreneurial thinking. WIT Coach Dr. Erin Rhae Biller and WIT founder Sarah Hernholm present a check to winners of a ... More California WIT Hackathon. How Entrepreneurial Mindset Applies Beyond Business Entrepreneurial mindset shapes how teens approach challenges across all life domains: Academic performance: Instead of viewing difficult assignments as burdens, teens with entrepreneurial thinking see them as problems requiring creative solutions. They break large projects into manageable components, seek resources proactively, and adapt when initial approaches don't work. Social relationships: Entrepreneurial teens develop communication skills through customer interactions, team management, and conflict resolution. These experiences enhance their ability to build meaningful relationships and navigate social dynamics. Personal development: The entrepreneurial process requires self-awareness, goal-setting, and continuous learning—skills that support personal growth throughout life. "The entrepreneurial mindset isn't just about becoming a business owner—it's about approaching life with a mindset that empowers you to face challenges, solve problems, and pursue what truly excites you," Hernholm notes. "Whether it's learning to pivot when a business idea doesn't work, or staying calm under pressure during a difficult situation, these skills can enhance every part of a teen's experience." Building Entrepreneurial Mindset Through Daily Practice Parents and educators can foster entrepreneurial thinking through specific approaches: Ask different questions: Instead of "How was school?" try "What problem did you notice today?" or "What would you improve if you could?" This trains teens to spot opportunities, rather than just complete assignments. Change the attitude to failure: Create family discussions around setbacks and lessons learned. When teens understand that failure is how you learn and grow – that it provides valuable data, rather than reflecting personal inadequacy, they develop resilience. Provide real responsibility: Assign teens genuine decision-making authority for family projects, from vacation planning to budget management to financial planning. Autonomous experience builds confidence and problem-solving skills. Encourage unstructured exploration: Resist over-scheduling. Creative solutions often emerge during unstructured time when minds can make unexpected connections. Hernholm emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement: "We create an environment where teens can explore what they truly care about, whether that's addressing environmental challenges, developing new technologies, or building social enterprises. We help teens develop the confidence to pursue these ideas, not for the sake of profit, but because they are genuinely passionate about the change they want to see in the world." Sarah Hernholm with students at Westwood Elementary School. The Career Benefits of Entrepreneurial Mindset Teens who develop entrepreneurial mindset early gain lasting advantages regardless of their eventual career paths: Career adaptability: As automation transforms job markets, entrepreneurial skills become increasingly valuable. Teens who think creatively and adapt to change will thrive in uncertain environments. Leadership readiness: Organizations seek employees who take initiative, solve problems independently, and communicate effectively—all entrepreneurial abilities. Life satisfaction: People with an entrepreneurial mindset tend to create more fulfilling careers and personal lives because they actively shape their circumstances rather than simply reacting to them. "If you're building something that excites you, you'll naturally find the energy, creativity, and persistence to keep going—even when things get tough," Hernholm explains. 'That's the kind of success that truly lasts.' Why Entrepreneurial Mindset Matters More Than Headlines I've seen this principal confirmed through my own research for my book, Raising an Entrepreneur, where I interviewed 70 successful entrepreneurs and their parents to see how they were raised. Time again, I discovered that parental support of children's authentic interests and strengths serves the foundation for entrepreneurial success, and that supporting your child's genuine passion matters more than pushing traditional markers of achievement. When parents encourage curiosity and problem-solving, while allowing self directed learning, they help teens develop the confidence to take calculated risks and overcome setbacks. They become resilient problem solvers and creators. While the media celebrates teenage millionaires and unicorn startups, the real entrepreneurial success stories often look different. They involve teens who identified problems they cared about, developed solutions with grit and persistence, and built skills that serve them throughout their life. These stories don't generate viral content, but they create lasting impact. Teens who develop an entrepreneurial mindset through authentic interest and sustained effort build foundations for lifelong success—whether they become entrepreneurs, employees, or community leaders. Hernholm concludes, "Entrepreneurship is about building a life you can be proud of, one that aligns with your values and passions. When teens learn to embrace failure, adapt, and keep moving forward, they build emotional resilience that carries them through life's ups and downs." For teens considering entrepreneurship, the question shouldn't be "How quickly can I make money?" but rather 'What problems do I want to solve?' and "What do I want to improve?" The answer to those questions will determine not just business outcomes, but the trajectory of their entire lives. Because an entrepreneurial mindset shapes not only how we build businesses, but how we navigate every challenge and opportunity that comes our way.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Morgan Stanley Upgrades Wipro (WIT) to Equalweight
Morgan Stanley upgraded Wipro Ltd. (NYSE: WIT) from Underweight to Equalweight on June 19, and raised the price target from $2.49 to $3.05. The move follows a period of relative underperformance for Wipro shares since the April market rally, which, according to the firm, has reset the risk-reward balance to a more neutral stance. The upgrade shows growing confidence in Wipro's near-term positioning, particularly as momentum improves in securing large deals. Morgan Stanley sees this trend as a leading indicator of revenue acceleration over the coming quarters, marking a potential inflection point for the Indian IT services firm. A close up view of a person's hands typing on a computer keyboard, emphasizing internet-based information technology services. Despite a sluggish top line, Wipro has managed to hold operating margins within a narrow band, which the firm views as evidence of disciplined cost control and resilient operational management amid a tough environment. Morgan Stanley also highlighted 'potential improving capital allocation' as a reason for the more constructive view, pointing to the possibility of more shareholder-aligned financial strategies ahead. This includes better deployment of free cash flow and a tighter focus on returns, both of which could improve sentiment around the stock as execution improves. WIT is among the . While we acknowledge the potential of WIT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None.
Forbes
19-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
AI In Education: Why Teachers Need Tools, Time And Training
A majority of teachers—60%—now report integrating AI into their lessons, a significant jump from just 40% the previous year, according to Education Week. Yet, despite this rapid adoption, 58% of K-12 teachers still lack formal AI training nearly two years after the introduction of ChatGPT. This disconnect reveals the reality of AI implementation in American schools: teachers are embracing the technology faster than institutions can support them. As someone who has spent over 15 years working with young people through WIT (Whatever It Takes), I've observed this transformation firsthand. Our organization works with teen entrepreneurs who use AI daily for business planning, content creation, and problem-solving. The students arriving in classrooms today expect their teachers to understand and guide their use of AI, but many educators are learning these tools on their own time. The data shows educators are finding practical applications across multiple areas. According to K-12 Dive research, teachers who use AI most commonly apply it for: Chatbots like ChatGPT are used weekly by 53% of educators, with English language arts and social studies teachers in middle and high schools showing the highest integration rates. These applications demonstrate that teachers understand the potential of AI. They're using it to enhance their existing strengths, including personalizing learning, creating more effective assessments, and developing grade-appropriate materials. At WIT, we developed WITY, our custom AI assistant that helps teen entrepreneurs refine business pitches and conduct market research. Through this work, we've learned that successful AI integration requires both the right tools and proper training on how to use them effectively. Based on these insights, we now partner with schools and teachers to help them develop effective AI strategies that work in real-world classrooms. Our experience building AI tools for young entrepreneurs has taught us what educators need: not just access to technology but frameworks for using it purposefully. The statistics reveal the scope of support needed. According to EdWeek research, only 43% of educators have participated in at least one AI training session, up from 29% in 2024. Teachers cite several barriers to getting the training they want: Nearly half of teachers haven't explored AI tools because of more pressing responsibilities. In contrast, others report requesting district policies for student AI use only to encounter indifference or unclear direction from administrators. Some teachers are so frustrated by the lack of support that they're considering leaving the profession. Teachers require (and deserve) time for hands-on experience with AI tools, opportunities for collaboration with colleagues, and ongoing support as they experiment with new approaches. Successful training programs typically include: Practical exploration time. Teachers need dedicated hours to experiment with AI tools, not quick add-ons to existing professional development sessions. Peer collaboration. Educators learn effectively from colleagues who share similar challenges and student populations. Ongoing support. AI capabilities evolve rapidly, requiring continuous learning rather than just a one-time workshop. Clear guidelines. Teachers need frameworks for distinguishing between appropriate AI use and academic integrity violations. Educators wonder whether AI shortcuts could weaken students' creative problem-solving skills or reduce their ability to tolerate challenging work. Some have noticed students becoming overly dependent on AI for tasks they should master independently. Training programs are most effective when they acknowledge and build upon real classroom experiences. Teachers benefit from exploring AI's strengths and weaknesses together, developing strategies that preserve rigorous learning standards. Innovative educators are already modifying their approaches. They're asking more questions verbally, designing collaborative projects that require original thinking, and creating assessments that reveal authentic understanding. These innovations show how teachers can maintain academic integrity while preparing students for an AI-integrated world. The most successful AI implementations provide teachers with tools specifically designed for educational use rather than general-purpose AI platforms. Educational AI tools typically offer: Curriculum alignment. Tools that connect to state standards and learning objectives make integration more straightforward. Student safety features. Educational AI platforms include content filters and privacy protections that general tools may lack. Assessment capabilities. AI tools designed for education often include features that track student progress and help identify learning gaps. Collaboration features. Tools that support both individual and group work align with the realities of the classroom. At WIT, we've found that custom AI solutions often work better than off-the-shelf options because they can be designed around specific educational goals and the needs of individual students. Young people often adapt to new technologies quickly, making them valuable partners in the integration of AI. Students can help teachers understand how AI tools work while teachers provide essential guidance on ethical use and critical evaluation of AI outputs. This collaborative approach benefits everyone. Students learn to use AI responsibly while teachers gain technical insights. The partnership model creates mutual respect and shared ownership of the learning process. The teen entrepreneurs in our WIT programs don't see AI as threatening or mysterious. They view it as a powerful assistant that amplifies their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Their teachers should feel the same way. Schools can build on the foundation established by early adopters. 60% of teachers who are already integrating AI demonstrate that educators are ready to embrace these tools when they receive appropriate support. Successful implementation requires: Investment in training time. Meaningful AI literacy development requires dedicated professional development hours, rather than brief overviews. Access to appropriate tools. Teachers require AI platforms specifically designed for educational use, equipped with robust safety and privacy features. Clear policies. Guidelines that distinguish between AI as a learning tool and AI as a substitute for learning are beneficial to both teachers and students. Ongoing support. AI capabilities change rapidly, requiring continuous learning opportunities rather than one-time training sessions. Over the past year, as I've helped schools with AI adoption, I've witnessed schools struggle with their AI policies and integration. The institutions that succeed share one trait: they invest seriously in their teachers first. The schools winning with AI aren't just buying software—they're creating time for teachers to learn, experiment, and share what works. Early adopters have proven that this approach delivers results, and more teachers are interested. Teachers can't master AI tools during lunch breaks or after exhausting school days. They need protected time, practical training, and permission to try new approaches without penalty.
