Gen Zers in America’s heartland — the 20 states spanning the Midwest and the non-coastal South — are growing up with AI, but not all are equally prepared to use it. Nearly half express a desire to learn more, signaling a generation eager to build future-ready skills. Their voices can also help illuminate how to close the preparedness gap for students nationwide, particularly in rural areas.
Today, more than three-quarters of heartland Gen Zers report say they have used generative AI, and more than four in ten use it at least weekly. However, access and experience vary widely depending on where they live. Young people in the heartland are slightly less likely than their peers living in the rest of the U.S. to use AI weekly (43% vs. 49%). This gap is even more pronounced between those in rural areas of the heartland and those in more urbanized, metro areas (34% vs. 46%).
Students are using AI at fairly high rates on their own time, but schools aren’t providing the same level of access. Almost half of Gen Z K–12 students say they “often” or “occasionally” use artificial intelligence for learning outside of school (49%) or while doing their homework (47%). However, less than a third report using AI during in-class activities (30%).
The lack of access and guidance at school contrasts with strong student interest: more than half (51%) are interested in taking a class on AI. Yet among those interested, 43% attend schools that ban AI, and 48% attend schools with no policy at all.
Teachers play a key role in helping students understand not only how to integrate these tools into their schoolwork but also how they might use them in the future. Still, just one in 10 students report that their teachers helped prepare them for using artificial intelligence in education or future jobs. To better meet the interests of students, teachers can bridge this gap by offering guidance on effective ways to engage AI for learning. students.
When students have guidance on how AI works and when to use it, they gain the confidence and skills to harness its potential in life and work.
