ESD 113 receives $75,000 grant to promote AI literacy in rural communities 

Students from rural and indigenous communities across Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties have the opportunity to learn more about artificial intelligence (AI). 

The AI Education Project (aiEDU)’s Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program, backed by Google.org, selected Capital Educational Service District (ESD) 113 as one of 14 national recipients of a $75,000 grant to support teachers and students. 

“This funding allows ESD 113 to create AI learning opportunities that connect to the communities our students call home. The program focuses on helping educators gain confidence with AI tools while supporting students to succeed in a world where AI shapes how we work and learn,” ESD 113 said in an announcement about the program. 

ESD 113 is going to use the grant to build on local knowledge, rather than importing outside solutions, through Dec 31. 

"Students who grow up in small towns and rural areas already know how to solve problems with creativity and collaboration. This grant helps us build on those strengths while preparing students for careers that use AI," said Shannon Thissen, ESD 113 Administrator of Digital Innovation, in the announcement.

The program 

The project gives more than $1 million in grants to local nonprofits, tribal education departments, and educational service organizations across 14 states. 

“Through curriculum, training, policy, and partnerships, aiEDU has reached over 230,000 students in all 50 states. The organization works with school systems across the country to build AI literacy and readiness,” said ESD 113 in the announcement. 

The Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program would specifically support the following: 

• Professional learning for teachers across the five-county region. 

• Development of AI curriculum that connects to local industries and communities. 

• Family engagement activities that bring AI literacy home. 

• Partnerships with local businesses and organizations. 

"We learn from our staff, students, families, schools, and the land," said ESD 113 Superintendent Flip Herndon in the announcement. "This approach helps us create AI learning experiences that make sense for our rural communities." 

The program will reach educators and students in districts across ESD 113's service area, which includes the five counties.  

Educators are expected to utilize professional learning sessions that will aid in understanding AI tools and how to use them effectively in their classrooms. 

Students will be aple to explore AI through projects that connect to their communities, such as analyzing local environmental data, creating solutions for rural business challenges, and developing tools that help their families and neighbors. 

"Students in rural communities deserve the same opportunities to learn about AI as students anywhere. This grant helps us make that happen,” Herndon added. 

aiEDU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aiming to help students be ready to live, work and thrive in a world with AI.