Cambridge experts leading government plan to get thousands of girls into AI careers
Thousands of girls across England will be taught advanced maths in a government-backed drive to boost skills and diversity in artificial intelligence, with experts from the University of Cambridge advising the project
Thousands of girls at 400 secondary schools across England will be supported to study advanced maths and move into careers linked to artificial intelligence, as part of a new £8.2 million government scheme.
The plan is part of the updated Advanced Maths Support Programme and aims to close the gender gap in both maths education and the AI workforce.
Experts from the University of Cambridge, including Dr Sue Sentance, are helping shape the scheme as members of a new advisory group looking at how to improve digital and AI-specific education.
Dr Sentance, Director of the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre at Cambridge, sits on the Department for Education’s Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group, which will feed into a wider review of the school curriculum.
The new support includes pilot training for teachers and enrichment courses for students on key maths concepts used in AI. From September, 450 students and 360 teachers are expected to take part.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Today’s brightest maths minds are tomorrow’s AI pioneers, and this government is opening the door for groups who have so far been left behind in the AI revolution.”
She added: “Through our Plan for Change we are breaking down barriers to opportunity, backing our young people and going further and faster for AI growth.”
Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: “AI is the defining technology of our generation. This package of support will help us deliver our Plan for Change… and give every young person in the country the opportunity to develop the tools which will put them front and centre in delivering our AI-powered future.”