Riverside County equips migrant students with AI tools for success

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – For many migrant students, keeping up in a rapidly advancing technological world can be a challenge—especially when access to cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence (AI) isn't always guaranteed. But a first-of-its-kind event in Riverside County is working to change that.

The Next Gen Intelligence Summit, hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education, brought together students from Coachella Valley Unified and Desert Sands Unified school districts for a hands-on day focused on AI education and empowerment.

The summit aimed to fill that gap by exposing students to the basics of AI—what it is, how to use it responsibly, and how it can be a powerful tool for learning and future careers.

Myra Sanchez, Director of the county’s Migrant Education Program, emphasized the significance of the event.

“Everyone is using AI on a daily basis and so we want to ensure that our students use it efficiently, effectively and ethically.”

Myra Sanchez, Riverside County Migrant Education Program Director

For many migrant families, language barriers and frequent relocations make consistent access to advanced learning tools difficult. Sanchez explained that this often leaves students without support at home.

“We all know that a lot of our students' parents may not speak the language or may not know how to complete algebraic formulas and so when our students go home, they need to be able to access a tutor that can help them with problem solving, helping them crack codes, comprehension, reading, math.”

Myra Sanchez, Riverside County Migrant Education Program Director

To help bridge that gap, each student at the summit received a year-long subscription to Khanmigo, an AI-powered virtual tutor developed by Khan Academy.

The summit wasn’t just about today’s tools—it was about preparing students for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.