A New Kind of Classroom: Trade, Tech, and True Choice in the Age of AI

A vote for Sholdon is a vote for better education.

Texas took a bold step this year by expanding school choice, and it’s something to celebrate. For the first time in a long time, parents—not politicians—are getting the final say in where their children learn.

But the truth is, choice is just the first chapter. What we need next is a full-blown Renaissance of Skills to prepare our students for the future—not just standardized tests.

We’re entering a new era, whether we like it or not. Artificial intelligence is changing the world, and if we don’t adapt, we’ll be left behind. That means the old model of “college or bust” no longer fits. We need schools—and policies—that prepare young people to build, fix, code, design, and lead in this AI-led economy.

Here’s what I’m fighting for:

1. Make Trade Schools Equal in Value to Universities

• Expand Pell Grant eligibility to cover all trade schools and certification programs.

• Create a National Apprenticeship Stimulus Act—offering wage-matching grants to employers who train high school grads in trades like welding, cybersecurity, HVAC, auto tech, health tech, and clean energy installation.

• Remove accreditation red tape that slows down new trade schools from opening.

2. Incentivize Future-Skill Learning

We should be directing students toward skills AI can’t easily replace—manual trades, creative arts, mechanical repair, system design, caregiving, and high-tech craftwork.

I propose:

• A federal Skill Renaissance Fund, offering direct-to-student microgrants for learning coding, 3D printing, drone operation, plumbing, and fabrication.

• In-school vocational tracks starting as early as 9th grade, tied to local industry needs.

3. Protect and Expand School Choice

Choice only works if it’s accessible and accountable.Texas has led the way, but we need a national framework that:

• Prevents federal overreach from crushing state-level choice.

• Standardizes transparency reporting for charter and private schools receiving public funds.

• Allows federal funds to follow students into micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, and hybrid academies.

Public education should not be a monopoly—it should be a marketplace of opportunity.

We owe our kids more than just a desk and a diploma. We owe them a future.

If you’re ready for an education system that prepares our children to thrive—not just survive—follow @SholdonDaniels on X and support our campaign to lead America into a new era of learning.