aiEDU Launches $1 Million Program to Enhance AI Literacy

Access to artificial intelligence (AI) literacy remains inconsistent, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities. The AI Education Project (aiEDU), a nonprofit focused on equitable AI education, has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing this disparity. The program will distribute over $1 million in project-based grants to underserved areas, including local nonprofits and tribal education departments, with support from major companies like Google.

Expanding Opportunities Across 14 States

The aiEDU program will span 14 states and support various educational initiatives, from incorporating AI into after-school programs to developing lesson plans in Native languages. Each funded project will be tailored to the specific needs of the community, aiming to build local capacity and engagement. “AI is rapidly transforming the world, shaping jobs, education, and daily life. Yet, many rural and Indigenous communities lack access to AI literacy programs that can equip them with the skills needed to thrive,” stated Alex Kotran, CEO and co-founder of aiEDU.

In regions such as Kentucky and the Appalachia school districts, educators will receive hands-on training in AI, designed to be directly applicable in their classrooms, which often face resource challenges. In Oklahoma, tribal education leaders will integrate AI literacy into existing curricula, ensuring lessons reflect both modern technology trends and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Community-Driven Initiatives and Cultural Preservation

Other projects focus on engaging families alongside students. For instance, a program in Washington state will host workshops that bring together elders and youth to explore local applications of AI in education and cultural preservation. In Hawaii, educators will co-design curricula in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaii, affirming that AI tools can support rather than undermine cultural identity.

Innovative approaches are also emerging in Wisconsin, where social-emotional learning is being integrated with AI, and in central Washington, where students will participate in a “skills challenge” using AI tools to solve real-world problems. These initiatives aim to create lasting impact by being rooted in the community.

These efforts align with a broader movement to incorporate AI education into K-12 systems. Many state agencies and school districts are currently developing guidelines for responsible AI use in classrooms, while universities are expanding programs to better prepare future teachers. Despite these advancements, there remains a significant gap in access to training.

According to a recent report by Rand Corp., the percentage of school districts training teachers on generative AI increased from 2023 to 2024. Nevertheless, access to training is disproportionately available, with 67 percent of low-poverty districts offering AI training compared to only 39 percent of high-poverty districts.

Researchers from the Aspen Institute have raised concerns that without intentional outreach, AI education could exacerbate existing inequities. They noted a documented racial gap in attendance, disciplinary actions, grades, and test scores, which could affect the algorithms that power AI systems. This highlights the potential risk for rural and Indigenous communities to be marginalized in an increasingly AI-driven environment unless targeted efforts address infrastructure and culturally responsive teaching methods.

If successful, the aiEDU initiative could serve as a model for community-rooted AI education programs, demonstrating how tailored efforts can create sustainable and equitable curricula that are adaptable on a larger scale.