Ambow Education Holding Ltd. (NYSE: AMBO) announced on August 10, 2026, that it will provide 1,000 students ages 14 to 17 with free access to an AI + Design Hybrid Micro-Credential Program offered by its wholly owned subsidiary, NewSchool of Architecture & Design. The initiative delivers on Ambow’s August 2025 commitment as a signatory to the White House’s Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education, which supports the Executive Order on Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth. By offering these free learning opportunities, Ambow aims to expand access to AI education for students and educators across the United States over four years.
The program is delivered nationwide in a hybrid format supported by Ambow’s HybriU platform and anchored by NewSchool’s downtown San Diego campus. Public schools, charter schools, private schools, community organizations, and school districts may apply at UPartner@HybriU.com . Priority consideration may be given to schools and communities with limited access to specialized AI, design, and emerging-technology education. Participating organizations may nominate individual students, organize school-based cohorts, or explore district-wide participation.
Program Curriculum and Outcomes
The AI + Design Hybrid Micro-Credential Program requires no prior experience in artificial intelligence, architecture, design, or computer programming. Students who successfully complete the program receive a micro-credential from NewSchool recognizing their foundational capabilities in AI-supported design thinking and creative problem-solving. The curriculum introduces students to:
- Design thinking and human-centered problem-solving
- Responsible and effective use of generative AI
- Creative ideation and concept development
- Critical evaluation of AI-generated content
- Visual and digital communication
- Collaboration and presentation skills
- Development of an AI-supported design project
Dr. Jin Huang, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Ambow Education Holding Ltd., stated that signing the White House pledge was a commitment to take meaningful action. "By offering 1,000 students free access to this program, we are helping young people understand AI, use it responsibly and develop the creativity, judgment and problem-solving capabilities needed to succeed in an AI-driven world," Dr. Huang said.
Strategic Focus on Design Thinking
Victor Nacif, Chair of Design at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, emphasized that design is becoming an essential capability for every student, not only those pursuing careers in architecture or design. "AI can generate many possible answers, but people must still decide which questions matter and which solutions can genuinely improve people’s lives," Nacif said. He noted that design education teaches students how to observe, question, imagine, test, and improve, making them active creators rather than passive consumers of technology.
Ambow and NewSchool will work with participating schools and districts to coordinate enrollment, program schedules, hybrid delivery, and student support. The HybriU platform connects physical and digital learning environments through adaptive learning, multilingual communication, intelligent content delivery, and real-time interaction.
What the Numbers Show
The initiative represents a concrete step toward fulfilling Ambow’s broader four-year pledge to expand AI education access. By targeting 1,000 students initially, Ambow is testing a scalable hybrid model that combines NewSchool’s design expertise with HybriU’s technology. The focus on students ages 14 to 17 aligns with the Executive Order’s goal of advancing AI education for American youth during critical high school years. The provision of micro-credentials adds tangible value for participants, potentially enhancing their educational portfolios without financial burden.
About Ambow Education Holding Ltd.
Ambow Education Holding Ltd. is a technology company delivering AI-powered phygital intelligence solutions for education, enterprise collaboration, and live events. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Cupertino, California, Ambow has developed the HybriU product suite to connect physical spaces, digital systems, people, workflows, and institutional knowledge through a non-invasive AI intelligence layer.
About NewSchool of Architecture & Design
NewSchool of Architecture & Design is a design-focused higher education institution located in San Diego, California, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambow Education Holding Ltd. It offers programs connecting architecture, construction management, design, technology, and professional practice.