California partners with tech giants to prepare students for AI

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state is partnering with major tech companies to give students and teachers free access to AI tools.

By Sophia Fox-Sowell

August 8, 2025

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On Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state is partnering with major tech companies — including Adobe, Google, IBM and Microsoft — to give students and teachers free access to artificial intelligence tools, training and career programs.

The initiative will bring hands-on AI learning into high schools, community colleges and California State University campuses to help students and teachers understand how to use the rapidly advancing technology.

Newsom said the goal is to prepare Californians for jobs in an AI-driven economy, as the state is home to 33 of the top 50 AI companies around the globe.

“AI is the future and we must stay ahead of the game by ensuring our students and workforce are prepared to lead the way,” Newsom said in a statement on Thursday about the initiative. “We will continue to work with schools and colleges to ensure safe and ethical use of emerging technologies across the state, while emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills.”