Why AI Literacy Alone Isn’t Enough and What We Can Do About It with Katy Knight of Siegel Family Endowment & Dr. Allison Scott of Kapor Foundation

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Aug 4, 2025

Katy Knight, the President of the Siegel Family Endowment, and Dr. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation, dive into the complexities of AI literacy and its limitations. They emphasize the need for deeper skills beyond just coding, highlighting systemic barriers to equitable computer science education. The pair also advocate for a radical rethink of K-12 education, suggesting computer science could replace traditional math. Their insights on philanthropy's role in modernizing education reveal practical solutions for a technology-driven future.

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INSIGHT

CS Education Is Broader Than Coding

Computer science education has grown but remains inequitable.
Coding is only part of CS; computational thinking and algorithms are vital.

INSIGHT

Systems Change Needed for CS

Systemic change in education is needed to properly integrate computer science.
Collaboration with broader education initiatives like project-based learning is essential.

INSIGHT

Rethink Education Structures for AI

Education structures need a fundamental rethink for modern skills like AI.
Important skills include creativity, curiosity, and agility beyond AI literacy.

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Katy Knight is President and Executive Director of Siegel Family Endowment, where she leads bold, systems-focused philanthropy at the intersection of technology and society. Since 2017, she has advanced equity, flexible funding, and inquiry-driven grantmaking grounded in the scientific method, and centered on reframing big questions and learning alongside grant investments.

Dr. Allison Scott is CEO of the Kapor Foundation, leading work at the intersection of racial justice and technology. She drives research, programs, and advocacy to expand equity in tech and entrepreneurship. A national PI on major CS equity grants, she also co-leads CSforCA, advancing access to K-12 computer science across California.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why AI literacy isn’t enough for future-ready students
Coding vs. computer science vs. computational thinking
How philanthropy can modernize education
The surprising role of “unsexy tech” in schools
Real paths to public-private collaboration in edtech

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:04:40] Allison Scott on AI and tech equity
[00:06:39] Katy Knight on Siegel’s AI readiness
[00:11:06] Barriers to equitable CS education
[00:14:15] Rethinking school systems for CS reform
[00:25:46] Tech overload fears for kids
[00:30:52] Philanthropy’s bet on public interest tech
[00:51:49] Why backend tech matters in schools
[00:52:46] The risk of ed workforce disruption

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Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.