The National Applied AI Consortium has secured funding from the National Science Foundation to extend AI education and workforce development initiatives into US high schools.
The National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) has announced plans to expand its Artificial Intelligence education mission into US high schools following the award of a US$299,990 grant from the National Science Foundation.
The initiative aims to introduce AI learning opportunities earlier in the education pipeline, helping students develop skills and awareness of career pathways before entering higher education.
NAAIC has previously focused on community colleges, providing AI education, workforce training and industry-aligned credentials designed to prepare learners for careers in emerging technology fields. The expansion into high schools represents the next phase of the organisation’s workforce development strategy.
Through the NSF-funded programme, NAAIC will provide free professional development opportunities to more than 600 high school teachers. Participants will gain access to AI-focused teaching resources, curriculum support, instructional materials and a dedicated online resource hub.
The organisation will also launch training opportunities this summer in collaboration with industry and education partners, including access to established AI curricula and self-guided certification programmes.
“Preparing America’s future workforce for the age of AI is urgent, and it starts with teachers,” said Amy Rubinson.
“By expanding training and resources for high school educators, NAAIC helps teachers build the confidence to bring AI into the classroom, motivating thousands of students to pursue AI college pathways and future careers.”
The programme forms part of NAAIC’s broader goal of building a sustainable talent pipeline to support the growing demand for AI skills across the US economy.
