By Aviv Weiss, Khan Academy Districts

On August 7th, 2025, Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, made his inaugural visit to Ohio. The state is no stranger to learning on the platform—across the region, districts are partnered with Khan Academy to close skill gaps, become AI-literate, and help students prepare for college and careers. Districts like Tipp City Schools launched one of Ohio’s first AI-powered learning labs, making it a foundational site in the newly established Ohio AI Education Network. This statewide initiative aims to integrate cutting-edge AI tools and training into K-12 and higher education. Khan Academy is a key partner in this endeavor and is collaborating with NWN, AI OWL, and Intel to realize this vision.

Morning at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce: Connecting AI to the workforce

The day began with a packed audience at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Leaders from business, government, and education gathered to explore how AI will transform industries and discuss which skills Ohioans will need to thrive in that shift.

Sal traced Khan Academy’s journey from tutoring his cousins to building one of the world’s most trusted education platforms. He spoke about Khanmigo, Khan Academy’s AI-powered tutor, and its ability to go beyond merely delivering answers by guiding learners through Socratic conversations that deepen understanding.

He challenged the room to see AI not as a future skill but as a present necessity, one that will define Ohio’s talent pipeline from classrooms to careers.

“We’re entering a time when you can get answers faster than ever, but the real power comes from guiding learners to think, problem-solve, and create,” Sal said.

At the ESC Summit

From there, Sal joined more than 350 district and building leaders at the Educational Service Centers Summit. The conversation turned to a discussion of how AI can be responsibly embedded into K-12 teaching. Ohio teachers are already demonstrating what this looks like in math and writing classrooms. 

He was clear: the technology is exciting, but the focus must remain on solving real problems and improving academic outcomes, increasing engagement, and empowering teachers with actionable data.

Through AI Owl’s partnership with Khan Academy, Ohio districts are now unlocking all of Khan Academy’s tools for free via Ohio’s TechCred program, including Khanmigo. Teachers receive training on how to integrate AI into their classrooms, and students gain access to 21st-century learning tools without cost barriers.

“This partnership has allowed us to give away all of these tools for free to all teachers and students in Ohio,” Sal said. “That’s exactly in line with our mission, which is “a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.”

Meeting with state leaders

Between events, Sal met with Ohio’s director of education and workforce to discuss the roadmap for embedding AI skills into every stage of learning, from elementary classrooms to college campuses to professional upskilling programs. Director Dakin provided an overview of his vision moving forward and of the great work already happening throughout the state.

From K-12 to career

Sal didn’t shy away from the big challenge of connecting what students learn in school to what employers need now and what they will need in the years ahead. He warned that the pace of technological change, especially with AI, will require workers to re-skill every few years. He presented a clear vision of essential skills for the future:

• Foundational skills: Reading, writing, and math will become even more crucial as they enhance AI’s capabilities.
• Human-centric skills: Communication, creativity, and adaptability will remain indispensable.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: The ability to identify opportunities, integrate resources, and solve problems will be a key advantage in the AI era.

Sal stressed the immediate urgency of re-skilling to prevent widespread economic disruption as automation impacts various industries.

The impact moving forward

Sal Khan’s initial visit to Ohio transcended mere meetings. It served as a powerful call for action. He urged educators to adopt AI as a tool for engagement and maintaining equality. He also reminded business leaders that the workforce of tomorrow is being shaped in today’s classrooms.

Through the partnership between Khan Academy and AI Owl, Ohio is now uniquely positioned to lead the nation in AI-powered education from the first day of kindergarten to the first day on the job.

Learn more about Khan Academy for Ohio.