AI-Powered Education Is Booming—But Who’s Getting Left Behind?

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education. From intelligent tutoring systems and personalized learning platforms to predictive analytics that help teachers identify struggling students early, AI is opening up exciting new possibilities for how we teach and learn. In well-resourced schools, students are already benefiting from these cutting-edge tools—gaining access to customized lessons, real-time feedback, and even virtual mentors. It’s no exaggeration to say AI could dramatically reshape education in the coming decade.

But as we embrace this future, we must ask a harder question: Who will have access to it? And more urgently—who won’t? Many schools in low-income neighborhoods still struggle with basic needs like reliable internet, functioning HVAC systems, and adequate staffing. If AI-powered learning becomes a premium service only available in affluent areas, we risk deepening the opportunity gap. And because education is one of the most powerful social determinants of health, that gap won’t just show up in test scores—it will show up in life expectancy, chronic disease rates, and economic mobility for generations to come.

If we truly want AI to be a force for good, we need to ensure it’s equitably deployed. That means bringing tech to underserved schools—not just the elite ones—and investing in digital infrastructure, training, and policy that supports inclusion. Because in the end, the question isn’t just about the future of learning. It’s about the future of health, equity, and opportunity for every child—regardless of their ZIP code.