AI has become a market imperative for leading American businesses. However, current AI knowledge is largely centered around cities. Meanwhile, in rural America, income inequality has never been higher—nor has the digital divide been more deeply felt. The disparity between rural and urban wages also only seems to be widening.
Although concerns persist about AI’s impact on employment, AI training emerges as a valuable ally in reducing poverty in rural regions and bridging the digital divide that holds back local economies.
Growing up in Kathmandu, Nepal, I experienced this digital divide firsthand. Today, I have been fortunate to get many opportunities like being the CEO and Founder of Fusemachines and adjunct associate professor at Columbia University, all thanks to my ability to access high-quality education. I can attest to how education can transform lives having seen many of my friends’ and family members’ lives and mine transformed through education.
That’s why I want to do my part to bridge the gap between talent and opportunities. I’ve made it my lifelong mission to democratize AI by making AI education and AI-powered possibilities accessible to everyone. In doing so, I see immense opportunity to drive social mobility and equal opportunity for those born from all walks of life.
I have identified three critical areas of focus that will help AI be the purveyor of an empowered rural America.
Deliver AI training
AI has the potential to invigorate stagnant economies through new career and job opportunities. However, this is only possible if we have enough skilled people in rural markets to reap the benefits of AI.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Amazon research, Unlocking the Potential of Rural America, 38% of rural small businesses say they can’t hire the talent with the right digital skills in their area. Additionally, according to the Stanford AI Index report, AI skill demand has increased fivefold since 2013. However, rural America often misses out on these opportunities due to a lack of early exposure to AI and limited tech resources.
AI training can play a significant role in changing that, providing upskilling opportunities, addressing talent gaps, and enabling economic growth. Thanks to advancements in technology, AI education is more accessible than ever, breaking down geographical barriers and enabling rural residents to tap into educational and career opportunities far beyond their local communities. Online learning platforms have democratized access to AI courses, allowing learners worldwide to engage with cutting-edge content from the comfort of their homes.
Similarly, there’s a significant opportunity for rural areas to reskill and upskill their workforce, focusing on creating AI-related career opportunities that allow individuals to work without relocating. AI training must stem from a strong AI education foundation.
Level up declining education systems
As Nelson Mandela once stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” a principle that has guided my professional journey. Yet, the crux of education lies in teaching, highlighting the need for K-12 AI educators.
Unfortunately, there’s a nationwide shortage of AI teachers, as many with AI expertise opt for the private sector. To address this, districts and state programs should incentivize AI learning for teachers. At a national level, the U.S. Department of Energy is already investing in AI training. Those interested can find AI learning and workforce training opportunities here.
On the upside, many educators, particularly those with backgrounds in computer science, mathematics, physics, or economics, are well-positioned to be upskilled in AI. Like implementing STEM skills, they should first receive AI training before learning to integrate it into their curriculum.
For instance, Putnam County, FL, launched an AI training initiative, AI2Go, under superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency’s guidance, which evolved from a workshop to a full semester course. Similarly, Seckinger High School in Gwinnett County, GA, successfully implemented an AI program. It then expanded AI education to nearby elementary and middle schools, creating an “AI cluster” to expose students to AI across all subjects from kindergarten to 12th grade. This shows how AI in education can be introduced slowly and then scaled piecemeal to great success. Educators can even start AI training as an after-school program to get their feet wet.
To ensure AI education reaches rural areas effectively, courses, teachers, and teaching tools must prioritize accessibility. They should be intuitive and user-friendly, designed to work across various technological levels. Hands-on teaching methods, such as 1:1 workshops led by industry professionals, can further provide personalized learning experiences tailored to specific fields or skill levels. Courses should also not live behind expensive paywalls, as the cost is top-of-mind in low-income rural areas. Integrating AI education into schools from an early age is equally important.
Tailored training programs can also benefit a wide range of stakeholders, extending beyond students: parents, teachers, and school administrators. By starting small with select courses or workshops, communities can gradually scale their AI training efforts, adapting based on the successes and challenges of initial offerings. This incremental approach can help foster a culture of AI literacy and innovation, equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Drive innovation and entrepreneurship
Since AI’s applications are industry-agnostic, AI can bring numerous innovative advancements to a community depending on each rural area’s core strengths.
From yield-boosting agriculture solutions to improving small business productivity by predicting the demands and boosting efficiencies to enhancing customer experiences, AI can directly impact the productivity of every industry integrated within the rural economy.
Similarly, AI can help advance the public sector workflows of rural markets. These could include covering application forms in government offices for automated credit assessment or mail delivery. AI can help with everyday business operations, such as optimizing supply chain logistics and expanding a customer base.
Through AI’s myriad applications and its seamless integration across industry and business functions, the technology delivers new ways of working and conducting business, which eventually translates into socioeconomically empowered communities.
At a high level, addressing the challenges faced by rural communities in America requires innovative solutions. AI presents a promising avenue to build and upskill talent pools, create job and business opportunities, and democratize education, ultimately leveling the playing field for rural America and uplifting underserved communities. Bringing AI to rural communities could bring a renaissance in these areas—revitalizing America’s culturally rich rural communities through education.
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