sbaynes reports on the expanded partnership between National 4-H Council and Microsoft, highlighting their joint efforts to scale AI education initiatives to rural youth and educators across the United States.

National 4-H Council and Microsoft Extend $10M Partnership to Expand AI Education for Rural Youth and Educators

For eight years, the National 4-H Council and Microsoft have collaborated to help bridge the digital divide in rural communities. Their joint initiatives, such as the 4-H Tech Changemakers program, have delivered digital skills training, reaching 1.4 million youth through the AI Foundations curriculum offered in Minecraft Education in 2024. This renewed investment builds on ‘Beyond Ready’, 4-H’s goal to reach 10 million youth by 2030, further integrating AI learning into rural education.

Key Research Insights

  • Research by 4-H and Microsoft found widespread interest in AI among youth (ages 9–17), with 66% aware of generative AI fundamentals, but only 28% of rural youth feeling well-informed compared to their urban and suburban peers.
  • 72% of surveyed youth expressed the need for guided adult support for responsible use of AI.
  • 64% believe AI will aid future career development.

Major Initiatives in 2025–2026

  • Training Teachers: Educators will receive training on AI basics, ethics, responsibility, and practical applications, especially via land grant universities.
  • Train-the-Trainer Modules: Local 4-H programs will leverage new modules to integrate AI teaching within their communities.
  • Hands-on Challenges: AI-focused events, like the 4-H AI Challenge and AI in Ag Challenge, enable youth to apply AI solutions to local agricultural and community problems.
  • National Collaboration: The partnership encourages youth participation in broader efforts such as the Presidential AI Challenge, building connections and mentorship networks.

Impact Example: AI in Agriculture

Henry Zou, a member of Iowa State University’s 4-H Extension, developed DeGLS (Detection of Gray Leaf Spot), a deep learning-based system that assists farmers by identifying and measuring the severity of Gray Leaf Spot in corn, an agricultural disease. This AI-driven project exemplifies the potential benefits of integrating technology and agriculture for real-world community impact.

About the Partners

  • 4-H: The largest US youth development organization, 4-H supports over six million young people annually with programs in critical life skills, STEM, and leadership, aiming to grow to ten million by 2030.
  • Microsoft: A leading provider of AI-powered platforms and tools, Microsoft’s mission is to responsibly empower people and organizations—including through educational partnerships like this—to succeed in an AI-driven future.

Further Information

For press inquiries, contact Microsoft Media Relations or visit Microsoft Public Relations Contacts.

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