Gen Z in the Heartland Welcomes AI, But Education and Workplaces Lag Behind

Bentonville, AR – May 8, 2025 — Generation Z youth in America’s Heartland are eagerly adopting generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, but feel ill-equipped to navigate an AI-powered future, according to a new study by Heartland Forward, Gallup, and the Walton Family Foundation.

The report, unveiled at the annual Heartland Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas, draws on responses from nearly 1,500 Gen Z youth (ages 13 to 28) across 20 central U.S. states. It reveals that 77% of respondents are already using AI tools, with 43% engaging weekly — yet only a fraction report receiving meaningful guidance at school or work on how to leverage AI for their futures.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping tomorrow’s economy and redefining how we compete, learn and innovate today,” said Ross DeVol, chief executive officer and chairman of Heartland Forward. “These findings underscore the pressing need for expanded AI training and education across the Heartland.”

While AI is quickly becoming embedded in everyday learning, schools remain behind. Nearly half (47%) of middle and high schoolers in the Heartland report using AI for homework or informal learning. Yet only 26% say their schools have a clear policy supporting its use. Among K-12 students, just 10% believe teachers have prepared them for AI in future careers or education.

The readiness gap persists in the workplace. Only 9% of working Gen Z respondents feel “extremely prepared” to use AI professionally.

“That’s why Heartland Forward is committed to preparing the middle of the country to lead on AI by encouraging innovation, supporting forward-looking public policies and delivering accessible upskilling opportunities,” DeVol emphasized.

Access to AI training and acceptance is far from uniform. Gen Zers in nonmetropolitan areas are 11 percentage points less likely to use AI weekly (34%) compared to peers in metro areas (45%), and also less likely to say their school allows AI use (19% vs. 28%).

Workplace disparities are just as stark. AI usage is widely supported in STEM (61%) and education (59%) industries, but far less in healthcare (10%) and blue-collar or service sectors (17%). These divides risk compounding existing economic and educational inequalities unless proactive steps are taken.

The study reveals that clarity in school and workplace AI policies is a key factor in boosting engagement and confidence. Where institutions welcome AI, young people report higher usage and a stronger sense of readiness. Conversely, environments with bans or ambiguous rules tend to suppress innovation and learning.

“Without deliberate action to build AI literacy, many young people in the Heartland risk being left behind in an increasingly AI-driven economy,” the report warns.

The findings are based on a Gallup Panel™ web survey conducted from March 6–13, 2025, encompassing a national sample of 3,465 Gen Z youth. Among them, 1,474 respondents resided in one of the 20 heartland states that formed the core of the analysis.

The margin of sampling error for Heartland respondents is ±3.7 percentage points. Subsamples, such as K-12 students and those no longer in school, have a ±5.0 percentage point margin of error.

The research was presented at the Heartland Summit by Angie Cooper, president and COO of Heartland Forward, and Romy Drucker, director of education at the Walton Family Foundation. The event gathered over 350 leaders from across the U.S. to explore innovations in economic development.