Bringing Empathy to AI: New High School ELA Curriculum Connects Human Relationships and Technology

aiEDU and The Rithm Project partner to bring AI literacy and human connection into high school ELA. Free curriculum snapshots encourage empathy and ethics alongside AI learning.

Published on: Jun 12, 2025
Bringing Empathy to AI: New High School ELA Curriculum Connects Human Relationships and Technology

aiEDU and The Rithm Project Join Forces to Embed Human Connection in AI Literacy for High School ELA

DENVER — The AI Education Project (aiEDU) and The Rithm Project have launched a partnership focused on integrating AI literacy with human connection themes in high school English Language Arts (ELA) classrooms. This collaboration introduces two new “ELA Snapshots,” curriculum experiences designed for repeated use throughout the school year to encourage students to explore human relationships alongside artificial intelligence.

The Rithm Project developed these ELA curriculum snapshots using aiEDU’s proven framework for AI literacy and readiness. Piloted by high school teachers in the spring, these resources are now freely available for download on aiEDU’s homepage at www.aiedu.org.

Michelle Culver, founder of The Rithm Project, emphasized the importance of this focus: “Much of the current AI discussion centers on tools and productivity, but often overlooks AI’s social impact. This partnership places empathy, ethics, and youth agency at the forefront, encouraging students to consider their relationships with others in a changing world.”

Alex Kotran, co-founder and CEO of aiEDU, added, “By combining storytelling and critical thinking with AI literacy, students gain the skills to understand both the technology and themselves in a world influenced by algorithms.”

Accessible and Collaborative Curriculum

The Snapshots will be available on aiEDU’s curriculum platform under a Creative Commons license, ensuring free and equitable access for educators. While The Rithm Project retains creative ownership, both organizations will work together to gather educator feedback and refine the resources continuously.

Additionally, aiEDU and The Rithm Project plan to co-host a professional learning session in Fall 2025 to support teachers in implementing the curriculum effectively. The content aligns with academic standards while addressing relevant real-world issues.

About The AI Education Project (aiEDU)

aiEDU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preparing students across America for life and work in an AI-influenced society. They provide free, high-quality AI curriculum, professional development, and strategic support to scale AI readiness in schools. Learn more at www.aiedu.org.

About The Rithm Project

The Rithm Project focuses on helping young people rebuild and evolve human connection in the age of AI. Through youth-centered research, student tools, and immersive experiences, they support educators and students in approaching AI critically with an emphasis on human relationships. Visit www.therithmproject.org for more information.


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