Are Children Still Pursuing Careers in Technology?

Today’s high school students are navigating a challenging path. The evolution of AI is reshaping the skills in demand within the job market, while funding cuts from the Trump administration have hindered scientific research across various fields. Many careers are unlikely to resemble what they do today in a decade, much less in fifty years. Students with a passion for STEM are pondering: What will my career look like, and how do I achieve it?

WIRED spoke with five high school seniors from across the nation about their fascination with STEM and how they are planning for the future.

These comments have been edited for brevity and clarity.

This Generation Must Lead the Charge in AI Development

I’ve had a longstanding interest in computer science, but my passion for AI truly ignited in my junior year. What captivated me was its relevance to everyday life. Witnessing the emergence of ChatGPT and various LLMs, I noticed how these technologies were being integrated into my academic experience. While some used them unethically for tests and assignments, they could also serve as tools for generating practice problems. Observing the rapid evolution of AI was a key factor in my interest. Its impact on our learning is profound, making it essential for us to be involved in shaping its development.

My school focuses on math and science, allowing me to pursue independent research centered around LLMs. A significant area of my study involved how these models might inadvertently disclose private information. For instance, if you request code that involves a sensitive API key, there’s a chance the model could generate code containing that key, drawn from its extensive training data. My most significant project was developing an algorithm to eliminate these sensitive data points during training, preventing their leakage during practical use.

As AI is a rapidly evolving field, establishing a foundation now will enable us to witness its progression as we mature. Understanding the security aspects of AI is crucial, especially as it is often used without thorough scrutiny by many people. I’m particularly interested in being involved early on to influence how my personal data is managed.

I am currently applying to undergraduate programs while also considering some unconventional pathways into the industry. In computer science, a degree is sometimes just the starting point; if you possess the skills, a formal qualification may be unnecessary. Therefore, I’m exploring various options. —Laksh Patel, 17, Willowbrook, Illinois

Health Care Access Begins with Community Initiatives

Both sides of my family have a rich history of women affected by neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Growing up, I often played the role of a doctor, caring for my family matriarchs, and closely observing the progression of their conditions. This exposure sparked a deep interest in understanding these diseases and how I could assist patients like those in my family and others in my community who lacked access to medical resources due to financial constraints.

My passion for patient care has blossomed, fueled by the desire to support individuals during some of the most challenging times in their lives. As my family members faced the decline of their health, I became acutely aware of the rapid progression of these illnesses and the dire consequences of inadequate treatment. When I entered high school, I began immersing myself in research to acquire foundational knowledge, aiming to kickstart my career early and extend help to more individuals in need.