The “New Ivies” and the Rise of AI: What It Means for High School Students
Summary
Forbes’ “New Ivies” list includes several universities that offer Prelum-supported pre-college programs. For high school students, the list provides a starting point for considering how interdisciplinary learning, practical application, and adaptability may matter in an AI-influenced economy.
What Are the “New Ivies”?
For decades, the Ivy League dominated conversations about top colleges. However, Forbes uses the term “New Ivies” for a group of 20 public and private universities that the publication identifies as increasingly attractive to employers. The term is not an official college classification or affiliation. A 2026 Forbes report considers how these institutions are responding to changes associated with artificial intelligence.
According to Forbes, these 20 universities are “preparing and graduating the talent that employers will seek in this new era” of AI-driven change.
A Shift in What Employers Value
One of the most important takeaways is not just which schools are included—but why.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, AI and big data lead the list of fastest-growing skills. Creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, curiosity, and lifelong learning are also expected to increase in importance through 2030. This reflects a broader shift in the job market. As artificial intelligence and other technologies reshape the workplace, employers are placing greater value on a combination of technical knowledge and durable human skills.
In fact, many universities are gaining attention because they align coursework with the demands of an AI-driven economy.
Where Prelum Partner Universities Fit In
Several universities featured on the Forbes “New Ivies” list overlap directly with Prelum partners that offer pre-college programs, including:
Their inclusion provides an opportunity to examine how universities are responding to changing academic and workforce interests.
Learning Approaches That Matter in an AI-Influenced World
While each university approaches this differently, there are a few consistent themes.
1. Interdisciplinary Learning
AI is not limited to computer science. It is increasingly influencing fields such as business, healthcare, law, and public policy. Students are encouraged to explore connections across fields.
2. Real-World Application
Instead of focusing only on theory, many programs emphasize case studies, applied projects, and real-world problem-solving. This helps students understand how concepts are used in practice, a valuable skill in an AI-driven world.
3. Focus on Adaptability
AI is evolving quickly. The specific tools students use today may change, but skills that are likely to remain valuable include the ability to think critically, learn continuously, and adapt to new systems.
What This Means for High School Students
For high school students, the rise of the “New Ivies” sends a clear message: Success is not just about what you learn, but also how you apply it.
Students don’t need to wait until college to begin developing these skills.
They can start by participating in structured academic programs, building projects or testing ideas, and exploring subjects like AI, engineering, or business.
Some pre-college offerings at these universities include:
- Artificial intelligence and business with Northwestern University
- Global policy and engineering with Rice University
- International Relations, policy, and artificial intelligence with Georgetown University
Pre-college programs offer a practical way for students to begin exploring the same types of learning emphasized by these universities. Students can build confidence and develop skills connected to possible academic paths.
Build Skills for an AI-Influenced Future
As AI continues to reshape industries, students may benefit from learning to think across disciplines, apply knowledge in practical contexts, and adapt to new challenges.
Students do not need to have their college major or career path figured out yet. By exploring different subjects, applying what they learn, and staying open to new ideas, they can begin building skills that may serve them across many academic and professional paths.
Explore online pre-college courses in AI, business, engineering, public policy, and other fields at Prelum.org.
FAQs About the “New Ivies” and AI
Are the “New Ivies” part of the Ivy League?
No. “New Ivies” is a term used by Forbes, not an official college group or athletic conference.
What skills are becoming more important as AI changes the workplace?
The World Economic Forum identifies AI and big data as fast-growing skill areas and says creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, curiosity, and lifelong learning are expected to increase in importance through 2030.
How can high school students begin preparing for college in the age of AI?
Students can explore subjects across disciplines, work on applied projects, and seek structured opportunities, such as pre-college programs, to practice critical thinking and problem-solving.
Last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 8/3/2026.
Recommended Articles
College Prep
Why Summer Is the Best Time for High School Students to Explore College Majors
Read Article