Microsoft announces free AI tools for US students following White House meeting

Microsoft announced comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) education initiatives following US first lady Melania Trump's hosting of the White House Task Force on AI Education meeting on Thursday.

"AI is the defining technology of our time, and how we empower people to use it will shape our country's future," CEO Satya Nadella said in a video posted on US social media company X.

Microsoft committed to providing Microsoft 365 Personal including Copilot, free for 12 months to every US college student, including community college attendees. The company will extend broader access to K-12 students, teachers and staff in the coming weeks, said Nadella.

"We believe delivering on the real promise of AI depends on how broadly it's diffused," he noted, outlining three priorities: empowering educators with AI tools, building practical AI skills, and creating economic opportunities.

- Training, certification

The American technology conglomerate announced $1.25 million in prizes for the Presidential AI Challenge celebrating outstanding educators nationwide.

Nadella said the company will provide free AI certification for faculty serving more than 10 million students through partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges.

He said job seekers will receive learning licenses for AI courses and access to a week-long AI learning challenge to develop practical skills via US professional networking platform LinkedIn.

- White House support

The first lady emphasized AI's transformative role across education, science, health and national security during the task force meeting.

She described AI as increasingly important as automation and data-driven technologies reshape the workforce. Trump underlined the importance of equipping students with the necessary tools while stressing the need for careful implementation.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced increased department budget allocation for AI investments, building on US President Donald Trump's April executive order establishing classroom AI guidelines.

Technology executives from Google, OpenAI and IBM joined Cabinet officials at the White House gathering, the second meeting since Trump signed the executive order advancing AI education for American youth.