The National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) is extending its AI training efforts to high schools with a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The initiative, which previously concentrated on community college faculty, will provide free resources to roughly 600 teachers to help students gain AI exposure before they enter higher education.
Teachers will receive AI-focused professional development and classroom resources, including lesson plans and curriculum support. They will also gain connections to a national network of AI educators and experts. The goal is to build a pipeline of students familiar with AI concepts, skills, and career pathways, according to a news release.
What the grant provides
The grant funds training at no cost to teachers or districts. NAAIC said the effort reflects a long-term commitment to linking secondary education, college programs, industry credentials, and workforce opportunities. The consortium will deliver ready-to-use classroom materials designed to fit into existing curricula.
Partner organizations
Several organizations will supply content and certifications. Intel, the nonprofit aiEDU, and the ed-tech certification company Knowledge Pillars are among those providing AI resources designed for K-12 classrooms. School districts have increasingly asked for professional development to help educators understand and integrate AI into teaching.
Community of practice
Beyond training, NAAIC is creating a national Community of Practice where teachers can share best practices and exchange classroom materials. The network allows educators to learn from peers who are facing similar challenges in bringing AI into their instruction.
"Preparing America's future workforce for the age of AI is urgent, and it starts with teachers," NAAIC's K-12 AI Director Dr. Amy Rubinson said in a statement.
Why this matters for education professionals
This grant directly addresses the growing demand for AI literacy in schools by removing cost barriers and providing vetted curriculum. Teachers gain access to a support network and materials they can use immediately, without having to develop AI lessons from scratch. For educators, it's a chance to build confidence with AI tools and help students enter college and careers with relevant skills.
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