Bright Futures Begin Early: Reflections from the PNC Grow Up Great Advisory Council

Step aboard the Neighborhood Trolley—a vibrant homage to the whimsical world of *Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood*. This colorful creation features cherished characters, lively cityscapes, and the boundless magic of imagination. Recently, it was proudly showcased at Fred Rogers Productions in Pittsburgh during the advisory council meeting.

It’s a true honor to serve on the PNC Grow Up Great Advisory Council, a group deeply committed to shaping the future of early childhood education. Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Fall 2025 Council Meeting, and I left inspired and informed.

Since its founding in 2004, PNC Grow Up Great has been a transformative force in preparing children—from birth to age five—for success in both school and life. The initiative has invested:

$500 million in multi-year bilingual education programs

$270 million in grants to nonprofits advancing high-quality early childhood education

Together, these efforts have supported over 10 million children nationwide.

A key focus of our recent meeting was the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the lives of young children. While AI’s impact on the workforce and older students is widely discussed, its influence on early childhood development is just beginning to surface.

Dr. Dana Suskind led a thought-provoking session on how AI devices may soon replace tablets and television as digital companions for children. With 75% of three-year-olds already using tablets, the implications are profound. During the first three years of life, a child’s brain grows to 80% of its adult size, making this a critical window for development. Rich, responsive conversations with caregivers are essential for language acquisition, emotional growth, and social engagement.

Yet, interactive AI bots and toys are on the horizon. OpenAI’s recent partnership with Mattel aims to introduce age-appropriate AI toys to the market. Dr. Suskind cautioned, “We still don’t fully understand foundational brain development. Introducing young brains to responsive AI may alter them in fundamental ways we cannot yet anticipate.”

AI is here to stay—but so is our responsibility to ensure it enhances, rather than hinders, the developmental journey of our youngest learners. As we move forward, we must continue asking the hard questions and seeking evidence-based answers to protect and empower the next generation.