Evidence doesn’t yet show whether it’s helping students learn.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday academic life for America’s students. By mid-2025, up to 84% of high school students were using AI for schoolwork, including writing essays, summarizing readings, and completing assignments. Despite widespread usage, students themselves are growing wary of what this means. A 2026 Gallup–Walton Family Foundation survey found Gen Z’s excitement about AI has dropped 14% since 2025, and nearly half of working Gen Zers now believe AI’s risks in the workforce outweigh its benefits.
Evidence doesn’t yet show whether it’s helping students learn.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday academic life for America’s students. By mid-2025, up to 84% of high school students were using AI for schoolwork, including writing essays, summarizing readings, and completing assignments. Despite widespread usage, students themselves are growing wary of what this means. A 2026 Gallup–Walton Family Foundation survey found Gen Z’s excitement about AI has dropped 14% since 2025, and nearly half of working Gen Zers now believe AI’s risks in the workforce outweigh its benefits. Fast Company Impact Council
