aiEDU Secures Transformational Grants to Advance AI Literacy and Bridge the Opportunity Gap in Education
November 28, 2023 — The AI Education Project (aiEDU), a nonprofit dedicated to creating equitable learning experiences in artificial intelligence (AI), today announced a total of $1,250,000 in new and unrestricted funding. The funding includes a $1 million grant from The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and a $250,000 grant from NewSchools Venture Fund. These significant investments will advance aiEDU’s mission of closing the opportunity gap in AI education, literacy and skills development.
Today’s students will soon graduate into an economy where competency in using AI tools is one of the most important drivers of career progression and success. And yet, despite excitement and investment around new tools, the vast majority of students in the U.S. will complete their K-12 education without any exposure to AI. The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, already an aiEDU partner, is sustaining its commitment to aiEDU's growth amidst the dynamic landscape of AI education.
"We have witnessed the positive impact of aiEDU’s work to bolster AI learning opportunities among students. Digital literacy — and particularly AI literacy — is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in co-creating our tech-enabled future,” said Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.
In 2024, aiEDU will focus on further expanding their hands-on model, which helps schools and districts navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI to better prepare students for the future.
"NewSchools is committed to building a better education system. Our support of aiEDU is recognition of their impactful work in improving access to high-quality AI education that is necessary for today’s students to thrive," said Frances Messano, CEO of NewSchools Venture Fund.
Both grants will provide critical support for aiEDU's multifaceted approach to advancing AI literacy and creating learning experiences that empower students to navigate and contribute to an AI-driven society.
“The transformational grants from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and NewSchools Venture Fund will significantly boost our efforts to make AI education accessible and provide the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly digital age," said Alex Kotran, founder and CEO at aiEDU.
Learn more about The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation at www.mcgovern.org and learn more about NewSchoolsVenture Fund at www.newschools.org.
