AI & Entrepreneurship in Schools: Thunkable’s West Virginia Pilot Builds Future-Ready Skills

AI & Entrepreneurship in Schools is becoming an increasingly important part of workforce preparation as educators look for ways to give students practical experience with emerging technologies. In West Virginia, Thunkable has been working with high school students through an AI Education Pilot Program focused on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and mobile app development.

The program, supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, is designed to help underserved students develop skills that can translate into future education and employment opportunities. The Rockefeller Foundation awarded Thunkable $249,813 for a program running from August 31, 2025, through August 30, 2026, with the stated goal of providing underserved West Virginia students with workforce-development skills in AI and other emerging technologies.

Thunkable Brings AI and App Development Into Classrooms

Thunkable’s West Virginia initiative moves beyond traditional classroom discussions about artificial intelligence. Students are given opportunities to create technology themselves, including building mobile applications and exploring how AI can be incorporated into their projects.

According to Thunkable, the pilot worked with students across Monongalia, Kanawha and Berkeley counties. Nearly 120 students participated in the program and created projects combining AI literacy, entrepreneurship and app development.

The approach is built around the idea that students should not only consume technology but also learn how to become creators and problem-solvers.

From AI Literacy to Entrepreneurship

One of the distinguishing elements of the program is its combination of technical and entrepreneurial skills.

Students can learn how to identify a problem, develop an idea, turn that concept into a functional mobile application and think about how the resulting product could address a real-world need.

This model connects computer science education with entrepreneurship. Instead of treating coding, AI and business as completely separate subjects, the pilot gives students a chance to explore how those skills work together.

Thunkable’s education platform similarly promotes project-based learning in which students create real mobile apps while learning computer science concepts. Its curriculum includes programming, AI and entrepreneurship components and is designed to work even when students have no previous coding experience.

Why West Virginia Is Focusing on AI Skills

West Virginia has been placing increased emphasis on preparing students for an economy increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

In July 2026, the West Virginia Department of Education introduced an AI and Digital Science Framework intended to provide students with knowledge, skills and credentials relevant to the evolving workforce. The state described the framework as the first of its kind in the country.

The state’s broader focus makes programs such as Thunkable’s pilot particularly relevant. Students entering the workforce will increasingly encounter AI-powered tools, automation and digital products across industries, making basic AI literacy and technology skills valuable beyond traditional technology careers.

Students Become Technology Creators

Thunkable says its pilot is designed around a shift from technology consumption to technology creation.

That distinction is important for high school students. Rather than simply learning what artificial intelligence can do, students can experiment with using AI and app-building tools to develop their own solutions.

The no-code approach also lowers one of the traditional barriers to app development. Students do not necessarily need extensive programming knowledge before they can begin building functional applications.

Thunkable’s education platform describes its visual development approach as a way for students to create real apps while learning foundational computer science concepts such as loops, variables and conditionals.

Rockefeller Foundation Support

The Rockefeller Foundation’s involvement adds a workforce-development dimension to the initiative.

Its grant description says the Thunkable project is focused on providing underserved West Virginia students with workforce development skills in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

The foundation has also identified AI as an area with potential to expand economic and educational opportunities, particularly when technology is connected with inclusive access and real-world applications.

For students who may have limited access to advanced technology programs, initiatives like this can provide exposure to skills that are increasingly relevant across industries.

Nearly 120 Students Took Part

Thunkable highlighted the participation of nearly 120 students when discussing the results of the West Virginia pilot.

The students came from schools in three counties and worked on projects involving AI literacy, entrepreneurship and app development. Thunkable planned to share lessons from the pilot with educators and administrators at the West Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education conference in August 2026.

The company has indicated that expanding accessible AI and entrepreneurship education to additional schools, students and communities is part of its future direction in West Virginia.

A Possible Model for Future Education

The West Virginia pilot reflects a broader shift in how schools are approaching technology education.

As AI tools become easier to use, students may no longer need to spend years learning traditional programming before they can experiment with software development. Instead, education programs can combine AI literacy, problem-solving, product development and entrepreneurship from an earlier stage.

That does not make traditional computer science skills irrelevant. Rather, students can use accessible development tools as an entry point before progressing toward deeper technical knowledge.

For educators, the challenge will be making sure students understand not only how to use AI but also how to evaluate its output, protect data, consider ethics and make responsible decisions.

AI Education Could Shape the Future Workforce

The demand for AI-related skills is expected to extend well beyond technology companies. Businesses across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, marketing, education and other sectors are increasingly incorporating AI into everyday operations.

That makes early exposure potentially valuable for students who may eventually pursue careers outside conventional computer science roles.

Programs such as Thunkable’s West Virginia pilot demonstrate one possible approach: give students practical tools, connect technology with entrepreneurship and allow them to build products around real-world problems.

The broader goal is not simply to teach students how to use another piece of software. It is to help them become more comfortable with emerging technology and develop the confidence to create with it.

Key Takeaways

• Thunkable conducted an AI Education Pilot Program in West Virginia.
• The Rockefeller Foundation provided a $249,813 grant for the initiative.
• Nearly 120 students participated across Monongalia, Kanawha and Berkeley counties.
• The program combined AI literacy, entrepreneurship and mobile app development.
• Students were encouraged to become technology creators rather than simply consumers.
• Thunkable uses no-code and visual development tools to make app creation more accessible.
• West Virginia is also expanding its broader AI and digital science education strategy.

FAQs

What is Thunkable’s West Virginia AI education pilot?

It is an education initiative that gives West Virginia students hands-on experience with artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and mobile app development.

Who supported the Thunkable pilot?

The Rockefeller Foundation supported the initiative through a $249,813 grant focused on workforce-development skills in AI and emerging technologies.

How many students participated?

Thunkable said nearly 120 students participated in the program across Monongalia, Kanawha and Berkeley counties.

What skills did students learn?

The program focused on AI literacy, entrepreneurship and app development, giving students opportunities to create practical technology projects.

Do students need coding experience to use Thunkable?

Thunkable’s education platform is designed to support students and teachers without previous coding experience through visual and project-based development tools.

Why is AI education becoming important in high schools?

AI is increasingly influencing workplaces across industries, making AI literacy, digital skills and responsible technology use increasingly relevant to students preparing for future careers.

What is West Virginia doing to expand AI education?

The West Virginia Department of Education launched an AI and Digital Science Framework in 2026 designed to equip students with knowledge, skills and credentials for an evolving workforce.

What makes the Thunkable program different?

The initiative combines AI education with entrepreneurship and hands-on app development, allowing students to turn ideas into working technology rather than focusing only on theoretical lessons.

Can students build apps without traditional coding?

Yes. Thunkable’s visual and no-code development approach allows students to create mobile applications without requiring extensive traditional programming experience.

Could the program expand to more schools?

Thunkable has said it is considering how to expand accessible AI and entrepreneurship education to more schools, students and communities across West Virginia.