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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.
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.
Educators looking to build AI competency can explore AI Learning Path for Teachers or review resources on AI for Education.