The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation in Education grant program aims to support New Jersey Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in enhancing educational practices and promoting AI literacy in K-12 schools. The grant focuses on two main areas: "Teaching with AI" and "Teaching about AI." "Teaching with AI" aims to integrate generative AI tools to augment educators' instructional methods and content knowledge. This can include individualized tutoring, using AI for data analysis to guide instructional interventions, and providing AI-centered professional development for teachers. Meanwhile, "Teaching about AI" focuses on developing innovative curricula and experiential learning opportunities for students, such as lessons on AI ethics, creating AI-focused makerspaces, and organizing design competitions or career exploration activities.
Eligible applicants are LEAs in New Jersey that have at least one high school serving grades 9-12 and an established AI advisory committee that oversees the integration of AI into the curriculum. The program will provide up to $75,000 per grant, with a total of $750,000 available for distribution. Ten grants are anticipated, with the first three awarded based on regional ranking and the remaining allocated in rank order regardless of region.
The program is a competitive, single-year grant running from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, contingent on FY25 state funding. Applications are due by November 7, 2024, and LEAs must demonstrate how their proposals will address the dual focus areas of teaching with and about AI.
