Her daughters were CEOs of YouTube and 23andMe. Her advise for parents in the AI era? Send your kids to college.

The daughters of Esther Wojcicki—two of Silicon Valley’s most prominent tech leaders—once again underscore the enduring tension between innovation and tradition in education. Wojcicki’s advocacy for a college education in the AI era isn’t just a personal parenting philosophy; it’s a counterpoint to the narrative that technical skills alone can future-proof a career. Her perspective gains weight when framed against the backdrop of a tech industry that increasingly prioritizes raw computational abilities over the broader intellectual development that colleges traditionally foster. The fact that her daughters, who embody the pinnacle of tech success, were shaped by her unconventional but structured approach to parenting—emphasizing reading, curiosity, and resilience over early specialization—raises an intriguing question: if the daughters of a tech titan still believe in the value of a college degree, why do so many others dismiss it in favor of bootcamps, certifications, or self-taught expertise? Wojcicki’s stance also reflects a deeper cultural shift. The AI revolution has accelerated debates about the purpose of higher education, with some arguing that universities are ill-equipped to adapt to a world where algorithms can outperform humans in many domains. Yet her argument isn’t just about employability; it’s about the intangible benefits of college—critical thinking, social exposure, and the time to explore ideas without the pressure of immediate professional demands. This tension mirrors broader societal divides: between those who see education as a transactional tool for career advancement and those who view it as a transformative experience. What remains unclear is how higher education will reconcile these expectations. Will universities adapt by integrating AI tools into their curricula, or will they double down on the humanities and interdisciplinary learning? Wojcicki’s daughters, who thrived in tech without following conventional paths, also highlight the paradox: success in the AI era may depend less on formal education and more on the kind of adaptable, creative thinking that colleges claim to cultivate. The question for parents and policymakers isn’t just whether college is necessary, but what kind of college—or alternative—can produce leaders in an age where machines are catching up fast.