In 2020, Working Educators partnered with student organizers across Philadelphia to amplify youth voices in civic life through the Philly Youth Vote initiative. Today, we continue that mission by centering student perspectives on the biggest change to hit their classrooms: artificial intelligence.
Legacy Context
This page honors the original Philly Youth Vote campaign that registered thousands of high school seniors to vote. The same principle guides our current work: young people deserve a seat at the table when decisions are being made about their education.
The Voices We're Hearing
When we ask students about AI in their education, we don't get simple answers. Their perspectives are nuanced, informed by daily experience, and often more thoughtful than the policy debates happening above their heads.
Students surveyed across 12 states
Have used AI for schoolwork
Want clearer AI policies
What Students Actually Say
"My teacher told us not to use ChatGPT, but never explained why. Then I found out she uses it to write our rubrics. That felt hypocritical."
Students aren't naive about AI's limitations. Many recognize the difference between using AI as a learning tool and using it to avoid learning entirely. What frustrates them most isn't the existence of rules — it's inconsistency and lack of explanation.
"I actually want to learn how to write. But when I have five AP classes and a part-time job, sometimes I just need to survive the week. Teachers don't see that pressure."
The Pressure They're Under
Nearly every student we spoke with mentioned pressure — from course loads, college admissions, family expectations, or economic necessity. AI becomes attractive not because students don't value learning, but because they're trying to manage impossible expectations.
- 67% of students reported taking 4+ challenging courses simultaneously
- 42% work part-time jobs during the school year
- 78% feel pressure to maintain high GPAs for college
- 54% say they've used AI when "overwhelmed," not as a first choice
What Students Want Teachers to Know
When asked what they wish their teachers understood, students consistently mentioned three themes:
1. Explain the "Why"
"Don't just say 'no AI.' Tell me why this particular assignment matters and what I'm supposed to get out of it. If I understand the point, I'm less likely to shortcut it."
2. Model Ethical Use
"Show us how professionals actually use AI in your field. The 'never use it' approach doesn't prepare us for the real world where everyone uses it."
3. Consider Our Reality
"Some of us are dealing with things outside school that teachers don't see. A little flexibility goes a long way."
The Civic Connection
Just as the original Philly Youth Vote campaign recognized that young people are stakeholders in democracy, we believe students are stakeholders in education policy. The decisions being made about AI in schools will shape their futures — they deserve input.
That's why Working Educators continues to create spaces for student voices, from surveys to student advisory panels to guest posts on this platform. The adults don't have all the answers. Neither do the students. But together, we might figure this out.
How to Get Involved
Are you a student with perspectives on AI in education? We want to hear from you.
- Share your story through our student submission form
- Participate in our ongoing student surveys
- Connect with student advisory opportunities