Bentonville public schools in Arkansas launched Ignite, a career-pathway program for juniors and seniors focusing on real-world experiences across various industries. This decade-old initiative integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its curriculum, keeping pace with industry demands from partners like Walmart and Mercy Hospital. Approximately 1,000 students vie for 600 slots, exploring fields such as health care, technology, and global business. AI applications include developing a meal-planning app for expectant mothers with gestational diabetes and animated tools for children with autism to navigate emotions. Programs also educate students on the legal implications of using AI in law practices. Teachers, many with industry experience, facilitate workshops to enhance AI literacy, while students learn to balance technology’s benefits and pitfalls. Ignite positions students to acquire essential skills, underscoring the importance of problem-solving in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. This approach strengthens their career readiness as they encounter emerging trends like generative AI.
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