Kalshi is pumping millions of dollars into New York public schools initiatives, as state Attorney General Letitia James and regulators launch a legal battle claiming the betting market is bypassing Empire State gambling laws.
Kalshi, in partnership with digital learning product developer Everfi, is setting up a three-year, $2.4 million initiative to try to educate kids about how to engage in a healthy way with social media, artificial intelligence and other rapidly developing new digital spaces.
The initiative will also include a science-technology-engineering and math, or STEM, career-readiness curriculum focused on data science, healthcare, software development and advanced manufacturing.
“Our hope is simple: to open the door for the next generation of innovators,” Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour wrote in a statement to The Post.
“Growing up in Lebanon, math was always my anchor—it is what fueled my decision to study at MIT and later co-found Kalshi. But today, far too few students have access to education that helps them explore future STEM careers,” Mansour added.
Everfi’s curricula, which are primarily digital and online-based courses, are now used in over 100 New York public schools, according to Senior Vice President Elizabeth Figoni.
“We’re investing in updated learning experiences that help students think critically about the information they encounter online, build healthy digital habits, and discover pathways to careers in high-growth STEM fields,” she said.
Kalshi is trying to boost its image after James sued the company for $36 billion in July, arguing it’s trying to circumvent state gambling laws by facilitating its event “contracts.”
The AG’s office later sued Polymarket, another prediction market, on the same grounds a month later.
In a statement at the time, James called Kalshi and “illegal operation.”
“No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple,” James said.
“By ignoring our laws, Kalshi is running an illegal operation and harming New Yorkers in the process. We are taking them to court to uphold our laws and protect New Yorkers,” she added.
Kalshi also made a similar charitable investment last month, donating $3 million to Housing Works for a healthcare clinic in East Harlem.
