Data center groups court students with field trips and classroom materials

WIRED reports that data center companies and groups are reaching out to students amid backlash to new facilities. Its tally found at least 11 companies and industry groups have hosted student field trips to local data centers since 2025. In Virginia, a trade group sponsored flag-making kits for 3,100 first graders, along with cards about the industry’s positive impact on the local economy. Education researcher Alex Molnar told WIRED that corporate messaging in schools can be propaganda.