AI: Did President Trump listen to Thomas Ray Garcia’s concerns

MCALLEN, Texas – During the Q&A portion of the Rio Grande Guardian/South Texas College forum on artificial intelligence, educator and entrepreneur Thomas Ray Garcia voiced concerns. 

Garcia, founder of the highly-acclaimed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, College Scholarship Leadership Access Program, said  he saw no evidence that K-12 schools in the Rio Grande Valley were embracing AI. He said they were not being given any advice or direction from the Texas Education Agency or the State Board of Education.

Was President Trump listening to Garcia? The day after Garcia voiced his concerns, President Trump signed an executive order ensuring that children are trained in AI and how to use it. Trump said: “This is a big deal. AI is where it seems to be at. We have trillions of dollars being invested in AI. AI is the way to the future… very smart people are investing in it heavily. 

Lyudmyla ‘Mila’ Garcia’s concerns were addressed by two panelists from STC – Dr. Jesus Campos, interim vice president for information services, and Dickinson, an economics professor and noted AI expert. Campos encouraged Garcia to “use his networks” in order to preach the value of AI. Dickinson said Garcia was right to sound the alarm. She said China has started a program whereby all children aged six or older are studying AI. Dickinson said she has been encouraged by work of Alpha School in Brownsville. She said the school is doing innovative things with AI.

Story continued:

Garcia had earlier said: “My name is Thomas Ray Garcia. I’m an STC faculty member in English. I’m a former high school teacher. So my question involves K through 12 education and some of the topics you were just discussing. To give context, I think the Texas Education Agency is not taking the lead on AI. The Texas Board of Education that sets the statewide learning and teaching standards is not even talking about it. Even though AI is already reshaping what students and how students and why students learn. So, my question is, locally, what can we AI advocates do? Should we be talking to school administrators and curriculum specialists to get courses like the one you mentioned, or some of these learning standards integrated in the courses? Should it be school board members? Does Region One have a role in any of this? What can we do when we walk out this door to start being more AI friendly and more smart in our advocacy at local K through 12 schools?”

Thomas Ray Garcia

A White House statement that coincided with President Trump’s executive order said:

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the modern world, driving innovation across industries, enhancing productivity, and reshaping the way we live and work. To ensure the United States remains a global leader in this technological revolution, we must provide our Nation’s youth with opportunities to cultivate the skills and understanding necessary to use and create the next generation of AI technology. 

“By fostering AI competency, we will equip our students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to and thrive in an increasingly digital society. Early learning and exposure to AI concepts not only demystifies this powerful technology but also sparks curiosity and creativity, preparing students to become active and responsible participants in the workforce of the future and nurturing the next generation of American AI innovators to propel our Nation to new heights of scientific and economic achievement.

A social media posting about President Trump’s executive order on AI.

“To achieve this vision, we must also invest in our educators and equip them with the tools and knowledge to not only train students about AI, but also to utilize AI in their classrooms to improve educational outcomes.

“Professional development programs focused on AI education will empower educators to confidently guide students through this complex and evolving field. Educators, industry leaders, and employers who rely on an AI-skilled workforce should partner to create educational programs that equip students with essential AI skills and competencies across all learning pathways.  

“While AI education in kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) is critical, our Nation must also make resources available for lifelong learners to develop new skills for a changing workforce. By establishing a strong framework that integrates early student exposure with comprehensive teacher training and other resources for workforce development, we can ensure that every American has the opportunity to learn about AI from the earliest stages of their educational journey through postsecondary education, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking that will solidify our Nation’s leadership in the AI-driven future.”

The Guardian/STC forum was titled: “Smart Cities, Smarter Economy: The Future of Automation in the Rio Grande Valley.” It was held at STC’s Pecan Campus in McAllen. In addition to Campos and Dickinson, the panel comprised Allied Consulting Group Texas President Andy Garcia (no relation). The panel was moderated by Guardian Editor Steve Taylor.

The Guardian is taking its AI forums across South Texas. The next one will be held in Rio Grande City next month. 

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