aiEDU Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program

The future of AI readiness isn’t something that can be changed from the top down.
It must be built from the ground up.

AI readiness starts with communities

The most impactful solutions for AI readiness can’t come from a single organization — they emerge from communities themselves. Across rural and Indigenous communities, local educators and nonprofit leaders are already taking bold steps to ensure their students, families, and schools are prepared for an AI-powered world. These local champions understand their communities’ unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities far better than anyone else.

At aiEDU, we believe that real, lasting change happens when communities lead the way. That’s why we are launching the aiEDU Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program — not to “bring AI readiness” to these communities, but to invest in and amplify the work that is already happening.

Through this program, we want to support local organizations that are blazing the trail on AI readiness, teacher empowerment, and systemic innovation — giving them the resources and capacity they need to scale their impact.

LOI Submissions are due on May 5th

The aiEDU Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program is a new grant initiative dedicated to expanding AI literacy and readiness in historically under-served communities.

This program provides funding to local nonprofits and grassroots organizations working to empower rural and Indigenous communities through AI Readiness. .

With support from Google.org, aiEDU will support multiple project-based grants to organizations who are committed to fostering AI literacy, professional learning, student engagement, and policy development.

Our goal: To ensure that all students, educators, and communities are prepared for an AI-powered future, regardless of geography or access to resources.

Overview

Why does this matter?

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.

Through this program, we’re aiming to close that gap by funding projects that:

  • Support educators with professional learning and learning communities on AI readiness.

  • Develop AI literacy curricula tailored for rural and Indigenous students.

  • Host community convenings to foster collaboration and advocacy.

  • Include parents & communities in conversations of what AI is and how it’s changing the way we live, work, and thrive in the future.

Who can apply?

We are seeking proposals from:

  • Nonprofits [501(c)(3) organizations]

  • Educational service centers

  • Community centers

  • Curricular resource developers

Organizations must serve rural and/or Indigenous communities, and also demonstrate capability and experience in education, community organizing, or technology access initiatives.

Grant Categories

Organizations can apply for funding in one of four focus areas:

1. Expanding AI Literacy Through Convenings

Fund regional or national gatherings to bring together educators, policymakers, and community leaders to advance AI literacy.

Example Projects:

  • Statewide AI readiness summits tailored for rural or Indigenous educators.

  • Community-driven convenings to build local AI literacy coalitions.

  • Sponsoring educators or tribal leaders to attend AI-focused conferences.

2. Professional Learning and Educator Networks

Support AI literacy training for educators through hands-on learning and peer networks.


Example Projects:

  • District-wide AI-focused Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

  • Train-the-trainer models to scale AI literacy within schools.

  • Curriculum development workshops to integrate AI into subjects like math, science, and social studies.

3. Student Curriculum Development and Implementation

Develop culturally responsive AI literacy curricula for students in rural and Indigenous schools.

Example Projects:

  • Piloting AI and ethics modules in high school social studies.

  • Introducing AI concepts into elementary STEM education.

  • Collaborations between schools, local organizations, and industry partners to create career-connected AI learning experiences.

4. Parent & Family Engagement

Support projects that engage parents, families, and local community members in understanding and shaping the role of AI in education, work, and everyday life.

Example Projects:

  • A tribal community hosting a series of intergenerational AI literacy nights

  • A rural district co-creating an AI readiness guide with local parents and students

  • A nonprofit partnering with local leaders to host bilingual workshops on AI in the workforce

How to apply

The Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program application process includes two phases:

Phase 1: Letter of Interest (LOI) Submission

Deadline: May 2, 2025

Phase 2: Full Proposal Submission
(By Invitation Only)

Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full grant proposal:

  • Project overview

  • Budget proposal (using our provided template)

  • Impact goals and evaluation metrics

FAQ

  •  The aiEDU Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program is a grant initiative designed to support local nonprofits, school districts, and grassroots organizations that are working to expand AI literacy in rural and Indigenous communities. The program provides project-based grants, helping communities develop AI education programs, train educators, convene leaders, and establish AI policy guidelines.

  •  Many rural and Indigenous communities lack access to AI literacy programs and resources. As AI increasingly shapes the economy, workforce, and education, we believe that all students and educators deserve the opportunity to develop AI knowledge and skills. This program is designed to support local leaders in expanding AI education in a way that is culturally relevant, community-driven, and sustainable.

  •  The program has the capacity to issue support ranging from $25,000–$125,000. Right-sizing is important in developing a compelling proposal.

  •  We are accepting applications from:

    ✔️ Nonprofits (501(c)(3) organizations)
    ✔️ Educational service centers
    ✔️ Community centers
     ✔️ Curricular resource developers

    Organizations must serve rural and/or Indigenous communities and have a demonstrated commitment to education, technology, or community engagement.

  •  Organizations can apply under one of four grant categories:

    1. Expanding AI Literacy Through Convenings – Hosting events that bring together educators, policymakers, and community leaders to collaborate on AI readiness.

    2. Professional Learning & PLCs – Training educators to integrate AI literacy into classrooms through workshops and ongoing peer support.

    3. Student Curriculum Development & Deployment – Creating and implementing AI-focused curriculum tailored to rural and Indigenous learners.

    4. Parent & Community Engagement – projects that engage parents, families, and local community members in understanding and shaping the role of AI in education, work, and everyday life.

  • 📌 Phase 1: Letter of Interest (LOI) Submission
     Organizations submit a brief overview of their organization and project proposal via our online form.

    📌 Phase 2: Full Proposal Submission (By Invitation Only)
     Selected organizations will be invited to submit a detailed proposal, including:
    ✅ Full project description
    ✅ Budget proposal
    ✅ Impact measurement plan

  • Funding can be used for:
    ✔️ Professional learning and mentorship
    ✔️ Teacher stipends and substitute coverage for training participation
    ✔️ Hiring part-time staff or contractors to implement projects
    ✔️ Development of materials, books, and curricular resources
    ✔️ Convening costs, such as food, transportation, and lodging

    Funding can NOT be used for?
    ❌ Purchasing AI software licenses or subscriptions
    ❌ General marketing or communications campaigns
    ❌ Capital expenses (e.g., construction, large equipment purchases)

  • Grant terms will be up to 1-year. Project outcomes should be reported within 12 months of receiving the grant.
    Some project-based grants can have grant terms shorter than 12 months.

  •  Applications will be assessed based on:

    • Alignment with program goals – Does the project directly support AI literacy in rural and Indigenous communities?

    • Impact potential – How many educators, students, or community members will benefit?

    • Feasibility & capacity – Does the organization have the experience and staffing to successfully implement the project?

    • Sustainability – Is there a plan to continue the work beyond the grant period?

  • Organizations will be expected to track and report impact on one or more of the following outcomes:

    Educator Impact:

    • Number of educators engaged in AI Readiness training, COPs, or workshops. 

    • Increase in teacher confidence in teaching AI Literacy topics

    Student Impact:

    • Number (or potential number) of students engaging in AI literacy curriculum

    • Demonstrated growth in AI knowledge and skills

    Community Impact:

    • Number of convenings or workshops hosted

    • Increase in awareness and advocacy for AI readiness

  •  Yes! aiEDU will offer:
    ✅ Mentorship and capacity-building support
    ✅ Facilitation for educator communities of practice (PLCs)
    ✅ Training on aiEDU curriculum and resources
    ✅ Networking opportunities with other grantees

  • For inquiries, please email christian@aiedu.org