National AI Literacy Day: Big Questions, Bold Ideas

The 3rd Annual National AI Literacy Day at The Tech Interactive brought nearly 1,000 students, educators, and community members together for a day of hands-on learning and meaningful conversations about artificial intelligence.

Students jumped right into exploring how AI works, how machines interpret information, and how to think critically about the technology shaping their lives. The focus was not just on using AI, but on building curiosity and confidence as problem-solvers.

At the same time, the AI Literacy Day Summit pushed the discourse forward. This year’s conversation moved beyond defining AI or debating its place in schools. Instead, it focused on how AI can improve the human experience and how it can be used in ways that are equitable and accessible to everyone.

In a standout fireside chat, Kim Smith, CEO and Board Director of LearnerStudio, and Peggy Yin, a PhD student at Stanford studying social psychology and AI, challenged the audience to rethink AI literacy. The question is no longer “Can you use AI tools?” but “Can you use AI in a way that strengthens your humanity, your relationships, and your sense of purpose?”

Another highlight flipped the script entirely. A team of students from Mountain View High School's Technology Internship led by Principal Kip Glazer, confidently guided attendees through a card game they designed. This exercise allowed education leaders, parents, and community members to think deeply about how real-world AI policy decisions are made in schools. It was a powerful reminder that young people are not just learning about AI, they can and should be actively involved in shaping how it should be used.

The experience continued through AI Literacy Weekend at The Tech Interactive, where families explored activities like spotting AI-generated images and seeing how machines interpret the world.

Educators went deeper in a hands-on workshop focused on bringing AI into the classroom through NGSS-aligned lessons and real-world applications.

AI Literacy Day is part of a growing national movement, and at The Tech Interactive, it reflects a larger commitment to making AI learning accessible, relevant, and human-centered.

“We are all in this together. AI literacy cannot be gatekept. It is a shared responsibility for our children, our communities, and our future.” - Suja Viswesan, VP of Products, IBM

“How can the future of education support the use of AI to strengthen our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our sense of belonging?” - Peggy Yin, Stanford PhD Student

“AI literacy is not just about skills. It is about agency, voice, and ensuring every young person can see themselves not just as users of technology, but as its creators and decision-makers.” - Katrina Stevens, President & CEO of The Tech Interactive