# aiEDU opens applications for $50,000 grants to expand AI literacy in rural and Indigenous schools

> aiEDU is accepting applications for $50,000 grants targeting rural and Indigenous school districts, with letters of intent due May 21. Last year's program reached 213,000 students across 10 states.

- Type: AI news
- Page: https://completeaitraining.com/news/aiedu-opens-applications-for-50000-grants-to-expand-ai/
- Published: 2026-05-02
- Updated: 2026-05-02
- Author: Jeroen Erne
- Jobs: Education
- Reading time: 1 min

### aiEDU Opens 2026 Grants for Rural and Indigenous School Districts

The AI Education Project (aiEDU) is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Catalyst Program, offering grants up to $50,000 to school districts, educational service agencies, charter organizations, and nonprofits. Applications opened May 1, with letters of intent due May 21 and final awards announced July 3.

The 12-month grants, beginning summer 2026, target organizations serving rural and Indigenous communities. Recipients can choose from four support pathways: teacher professional development, district leadership capacity building, classroom integration, or curricular integration.

#### What Funded Projects Can Include

- Multi-session professional development
- Professional learning communities
- Train-the-trainer models
- Instructional coaching networks
- Districtwide AI implementation planning

#### 2025 Program Results

Last year, aiEDU supported 21 organizations across 10 states, reaching 4,100 Indigenous and rural educators-a 71 percent increase from 2024. The program reached more than 213,000 Indigenous and rural students, nearly ten times the previous year's reach.

Grantees held 64 in-person events in Indigenous and rural communities, more than five times the 2024 total. Projects ranged from Tribal-led AI sovereignty initiatives to multi-district educator training models designed around local relevance and cultural grounding.

Alex Kotran, aiEDU's CEO, said: "As schools across the country navigate how to prepare students for an AI-driven future, meaningful progress depends on ensuring every community has a seat at the table."

For application details, visit [aiedu.org/2026-catalyst](https://aiedu.org/2026-catalyst?ref=completeaitraining.com).

Educators looking to build AI competency can explore [AI Learning Path for Teachers](https://completeaitraining.com/learningpath/ai-for-teachers/) or review resources on [AI for Education](https://completeaitraining.com/tag/education/).

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