aiEDU program aims to empower rural and indigenous communities with new AI readiness scheme
The Rural and Indigenous Community Catalyst Program invests in communities across 14 US states. It offers partnership opportunities, infrastructure support and more than $1 million in grants for local non-profits, tribal education departments, and educational service organizations.
"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," says Alex Kotran, Co-founder and CEO at aiEDU.
"Through this program, we're closing that gap by funding projects that support teacher professional development, develop locally relevant AI curriculum, and create inclusive conversations that bring families and communities into the fold."
Building on aiEDU’s plans to build capacity at a local level, the program aims to work alongside communities and scale their efforts to build a national model for community-first AI readiness.
One project will see aiEDU work with the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation to equip more than 30 teachers with AI training. "This funding empowers our rural educators to lead with confidence in an AI-drive future," says Nancy Hutchinson, CEO at the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation.
