ED Proposes Additional, AI-Related Priority in Grant Submissions
In a Dear Colleague letter issued on July 22, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) provided guidance on the use of federal grant funds to improve educational outcomes through artificial intelligence (AI). The memo outlines a proposed additional funding priority that encourages the responsible integration of AI in education to enhance learning for all students.
According to the new priority, AI may be used to develop personalized instructional tools, support high-impact tutoring, and assist students with college and career planning. Grantees may request funds for initiatives such as AI-driven tutoring systems, virtual advising platforms, and predictive tools that identify students in need of support. The guidance also establishes key principles for AI development, emphasizing that initiatives must be educator-led, ethically designed, and accessible to individuals who require accommodations—including children, educators, service providers, and family members with disabilities. Based on these principles, ED plans to solicit grant applications for high-quality AI instructional materials, AI-enhanced high-impact tutoring, and AI tools that support career exploration.
Public comments on the proposed funding priority are invited through Regulations.gov until August 20, 2025.