AI Education: An Urgent Societal Imperative

AI Education: An Urgent Societal Imperative

JY
Jay Yogeshwar, PhDCEO, Awardos Corp.
5 min read

In today's rapidly transforming world, AI education has become an urgent necessity: one that will define who thrives and who is left behind in the emerging digital landscape. Artificial intelligence is not just another technical skill; it is the new language of work, innovation, and societal progress. The divide between those who understand and adapt to AI and those who do not could easily become the defining digital divide of our time.

Defining AI Literacy and Fluency

AI literacy and AI fluency are not one-size-fits-all concepts; they take on unique meanings for students, workers, managers, innovators, educators, and every distinct industry sector. According to Wikipedia, one of the earliest definitions of AI literacy was “a set of competencies that enables individuals to critically evaluate AI technologies; communicate and collaborate effectively with AI; and use AI as a tool online, at home, and in the workplace”. Later perspectives expand this to include the ability to understand, use, monitor, and ethically navigate AI applications.

AI fluency moves beyond technical skills and prompt engineering. As Lauren Irving, an AI fluency advocate, notes: “Fluency isn’t about knowing how to ‘hack’ a prompt. It’s about knowing how to think with AI- to delegate wisely, communicate clearly, assess critically, and act responsibly”. True AI fluency means actively integrating AI into decision-making and problem-solving, adapting as the technology evolves, and applying ethical thinking tailored to each professional and societal context.

This deeper understanding is essential: only when AI literacy and fluency are defined and taught for real-world roles and challenges will communities and organizations develop the confidence and capacity needed to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence

The AI Revolution

AI’s relentless spread means businesses, governments, and individuals need to make AI literacy a core priority. The Professional Science Masters (PSM) program at Rutgers, for example, recognizes this urgency—infusing science with business and making AI a fundamental skillset for managers and employees alike. Without intentional efforts, the workforce risks being split between those able to harness AI’s power and those left out of the innovation cycle. 

Lessons from the Classroom

As an instructor in Rutgers’ PSM Business Capstone, Intro to AI for Science Professionals, and Applied AI from Concept to Market courses, structured, hands-on education creates motivation and success, even among those starting with skepticism or little experience.

  • In the Capstone program, students tackle globally impactful challenges, conduct IP searches, and many craft business plans for AI-powered solutions: learning to link science, innovation, and commercialization.

  • The AI Concept to Market course guides students through AI foundations, industry frameworks, hands-on assignments, and the building and pitching of AI prototypes and business plans.

  • Intro to AI for Science Professionals offers a solid grounding in core concepts and demystifies difficult ideas through guest lectures, real-world demos, and accessible pseudocode assignments.

The most important lesson: while Self-learning of AI is tough, a well-designed curriculum with clear deliverables and grading motivates all learners. When students are immersed in curated content, able to discuss and debate in an academic setting, skepticism fades and confidence grows- even for those with no prior programming or data science experience.

The Case for Government Leadership

Federal, state, and city governments have a massive opportunity as well as a duty to act now and close the AI literacy gap. They can:

  • Fund local AI bootcamps, certificate programs, and continuing education for public sector workers and the broader community.

  • Encourage K-12 schools, colleges, and workforce education programs to integrate foundational AI concepts into the curriculum beyond basic coding to include: ethics, societal impact, and practical applications.

  • Partner with universities and industry to deliver guest lectures, hackathons, and real-world projects simulating AI innovation for societal good.

  • Support online platforms that democratize access to AI tools, tutorials, and peer-led discussions for lifelong learners and non-technical staff.

The "Golden Ticket": AI Grassroots Imperative

Grassroots AI education, rooted in true AI literacy and fluency, is essential to prevent a new digital divide and ensure equitable benefits across society. It’s not just about teaching people to use AI tools, it’s about cultivating competencies to critically evaluate, communicate, collaborate, and use AI responsibly and ethically in every context, from the classroom to the workplace. A workforce fluent in AI doesn’t simply follow algorithms; it makes informed decisions, adapts to technological change, and acts with integrity.

The broad societal benefits of widespread AI literacy and fluency extend beyond productivity gains or innovation. They empower communities to address complex challenges, foster ethical practices, and ensure all individuals. regardless of sector or background, have the confidence to participate in the digital future.

AI education is not optional; it is the golden ticket to a future where every worker, manager, and citizen can share in the prosperity and opportunities AI has to offer.

References:

“AI Literacy.” Wikipedia. Last modified June 1, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AI_literacy.

Irving, Lauren. “Lauren Irving, MBA - Quality & Training Manager.” LinkedIn. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-irving-nc.

Irving, Lauren. “Lauren Irving, MBA's Post.” LinkedIn. Published September 8, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lauren-irving-nc_earlier-this-summer-i-asked-my-entire-team-activity-7371005324457320448-nUYQ.

IBM. “AI Literacy: Closing the Artificial Intelligence Skills Gap.” IBM Think Insights. January 17, 2025. https://www.ibm.com/think/insights/ai-literacy.

Rutgers Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program. “Basics of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Looking Back.” May 4, 2024. https://mbs.rutgers.edu/article/basics-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-looking-back.

Rutgers Professional Education. “About Us | Professional Education via the PSM Program.” Accessed September 15, 2025. https://professionaled.rutgers.edu/about-us/.

World Economic Forum. “Why AI Literacy Is Now a Core Competency in Education.” June 2, 2025. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/05/why-ai-literacy-is-now-a-core-competency-in-education/.

UNESCO. “AI Literacy and the New Digital Divide – A Global Call for Action.” February 27, 2025. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-literacy-and-new-digital-divide-global-call-action.