the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, despite new federal guidance encouraging schools to use AI and classroom technology, a shocking new report reveals that more than 47 million American students are navigating an education system unprepared for the AI age.
A new Cybernews investigation shows that while the U.S. Department of Education has opened the door for schools to tap federal funds for AI integration, only 3% of students are enrolled in schools with a formal technology improvement plan.
That leaves the vast majority of children—especially those in vulnerable populations—without adequate preparation for a digital future.
The Digital Divide Is Growing
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Homeless student enrollment has surged 9% nationwide in the past five years, now topping 1.4 million children.
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In New York State alone, homelessness among students jumped 30%, from about 105,000 to nearly 140,000.
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Schools in higher-poverty neighborhoods are less likely to offer digital literacy courses compared to wealthier areas.
“Closing the digital divide isn’t just about handing out devices or switching on Wi-Fi,” said Žilvinas Girėnas, Head of Product at nexos.ai. “It requires real policy reforms, equitable resources, and AI literacy to ensure no student is left behind.”
AI Is Already in the Classroom—But Schools Aren’t Ready
While schools lag behind in planning, students and teachers are adopting AI on their own. According to surveys:
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86% of global education organizations report using generative AI tools.
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85% of U.S. students and teachers aged 14–22 say they’re already using AI, up from 66% in 2024.
From tutoring support to lesson planning, AI is reshaping learning. But gaps remain:
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36% of schools lack tutoring staff.
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Only 13% offer on-demand online tutoring.
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Just 15% provide self-paced learning tools.
Experts argue that AI could help fill these gaps—if schools adopt it responsibly.
Cybersecurity Risks Loom Large
The rush toward AI adoption also raises serious cybersecurity concerns. A report from the Center for Internet Security found that 82% of U.S. K-12 schools suffered cyber incidents between 2023 and 2024. In early 2025 alone, ransomware struck 130 schools, with average ransom demands exceeding $500,000.
“Every AI system introduced into classrooms is a new potential target,” warned Aras Nazarovas, senior cybersecurity researcher at Cybernews. “Without strict security checks and ongoing monitoring, student privacy is at risk.”
The Bottom Line
The U.S. is at a crossroads: federal funding for AI in education is now available, but most schools are far from prepared. With only 3% of students in tech-ready schools, experts warn that millions of children risk being left behind in an AI-driven world.
If schools can bridge the digital divide, invest in cybersecurity, and provide equitable access to AI tools, the technology could transform learning for generations to come.
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