Today, Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy convened leaders from more than 150 organizations in 11 Arizona counties to cast a bold vision for the future of high school, higher education and the workforce. As the economy and the future of work shifts rapidly, so must our educational system.
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“In our pursuit to become the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility and driver of social impact, we know that full alignment of PK–12 education, higher education and the workforce is essential,” said NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera. “Through the institute’s leadership, we took a giant step in that direction today.”
Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Arizona State University senior leader Quintin Boyce welcomed leaders representing early childhood education, PK–12 education, higher education, business and industry, workforce and economic development, government, philanthropy and the nonprofit sector for a day of presentations and discussions on how to confront the unique challenges facing Arizona’s youth today and prepare them for bright futures ahead, in part through the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
“Education and the economy must adapt, align and advance together,” said Chad Gestson, the institute’s founder and an assistant professor of practice at NAU. “If we want to create a future-ready Arizona, where economic mobility and shared prosperity are realities for all Arizonan, we must start by designing future-ready schools that prepare our graduates to lead and thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.”
The institute is quickly becoming a key thought leader in Arizona, focused on how the education system needs to transform to prepare students for the future of school and work. In May 2024, the institute published Arizona’s official generative AI guidance for K–12 schools. On May 11, revised guidance will be released at AZK12.ai. The institute also helps lead the Arizona AI Alliance, a collective of 14 organizations statewide committed to the effective and ethical use and implementation of AI in schools.
Internationally renowned AI expert Helen Crompton, listed among the top 2% of scientists in the world by Stanford University, spent the morning connecting the future of artificial intelligence with the future of school and work. In the afternoon, those in attendance engaged in presentations and discussions related to policy, practice and a strategy to transform Arizona’s high schools statewide.
“Students in Arizona deserve an education system that prepares them for what’s next—not what’s passed,” said LeeAnn Lindsey, the institute’s director of ed tech and innovation. “This is about more than just AI—it’s about rethinking the very structure, purpose and goals of high school.”
