OpenAI has launched Education for Countries, a new initiative aimed at integrating advanced AI tools into national education systems to help close the growing gap between AI capabilities and real-world usage. This effort is part of OpenAI’s broader OpenAI for Countries program, designed to ensure that AI advances benefit people globally by embedding the technology into the core of learning environments. The initiative responds to the reality that while AI has made remarkable progress, its full potential remains underutilized. With nearly 40% of core workforce skills expected to change by 2030 due to AI, education systems must evolve quickly. OpenAI’s Education for Countries will work with governments, university consortia, and education leaders to scale AI in classrooms and campuses through three key pillars: AI tools for learning, research on learning outcomes, and training and certification programs. AI tools such as ChatGPT Edu, GPT-5.2, study mode, and Canvas integration will be customized to meet local educational priorities. These tools are already being used nationwide in Estonia, reaching over 30,000 students, teachers, and researchers in public schools and universities. Pilot programs in high schools will begin with small, carefully designed rollouts in collaboration with local educators to ensure alignment with curricula and student safety. A major component of the initiative is large-scale research partnerships. For example, OpenAI is working with the University of Tartu and Stanford on a multi-year study tracking how AI impacts learning outcomes among 20,000 students. These insights will help shape national education policies and future AI development. OpenAI is also expanding access to training and certifications through the OpenAI Academy and new ChatGPT-based credentials. These programs are designed to equip educators and students with practical AI skills that align with national workforce needs, helping individuals gain competitive advantages in a changing job market. The first cohort includes Estonia, Greece, Italy’s Conference of University Rectors (CRUI), Jordan, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries are leading efforts to responsibly integrate AI into education, supported by a growing global network of partners who share best practices and promote ethical adoption. OpenAI is also strengthening protections for young users by improving age-appropriate model behavior and developing AI literacy resources with trusted organizations like Common Sense Media. This initiative builds on OpenAI’s broader mission to make advanced AI accessible and beneficial to all. It complements other programs such as NextGenAI, which supports university research on AI and learning, and partnerships with groups like the American Federation of Teachers to empower educators. The next cohort will be announced in 2026. Organizations interested in joining can contact OpenAI’s team to learn more.