The CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship is a prestigious year-long leadership journey that empowers PreK-12 educators to develop ethical, inclusive, and transformative approaches to artificial intelligence teaching. This program addresses the critical need for educators who can navigate the complex landscape of AI education while ensuring responsible innovation in classrooms.
The program brings together approximately 15 fellows who form a dynamic learning community, supporting each other as emerging leaders and driving system-wide change in AI education through collaborative learning and peer mentorship.
Applications for the 2025-26 cohort are due Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.
Fellowship Focus Areas
Our fellows will develop expertise in:
- Ethical AI Frameworks: Understanding and teaching core principles of responsible AI development and deployment
- Inclusive AI Education: Ensuring AI learning experiences are accessible and relevant to all students.
- Transformative Teaching Practices: Implementing pedagogical approaches that help students critically analyze AI’s impact on society
- Leadership and Advocacy: Building capacity to champion responsible AI education at local, state, and national levels
Are you committed to ensuring that AI education is ethical, innovative, and empowering for all students? Do you want to develop as a leader and share your expertise on a national scale? Apply to become a CSTA Responsible AI Fellow.
We plan to select up to 15 fellows in our inaugural cohort, encompassing PreK-12 grade classroom teachers committed to responsible AI education.
What Responsible AI Fellows Do
Fellows will:
- Develop deep expertise in teaching AI ethics and responsible innovation
- Create impactful resources for the broader education community
- Build a professional network of like-minded educators and experts
- Gain skills in advocacy, public speaking, and educational leadership
- Contribute to the growing body of knowledge about responsible AI education
Benefits
- $2,000 stipend
- Two-Day Launch Convening: Intensive in-person experience building community and establishing project foundations
- Travel, accommodation, and food expenses are fully covered.
- Professional learning with premier leading voices in AI ethics, education, and policy, including quarterly convenings and monthly virtual meetings
- Peer Mentorship: Collaborative support and learning from fellow educators and expert speakers
- Capstone Projects: Development of resources, curricula, or initiatives that advance responsible AI education
- National Platform: Opportunities to share work at the 2026 CSTA Annual Conference, with opportunities to present on a national stage, including but not limited to publications, podcasts, and in professional learning settings
- Travel, accommodation, and food expenses are fully covered for fellows attending the annual CSTA conference.
- Prominent recognition on CSTA’s website and professional learning materials
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a CSTA member. (Not a member? Join CSTA here!)
- Be a current PreK-12 CS teacher
- Submit an application by Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. A completed application includes: (1) a 1-2 minute video introducing yourself and your interest in the fellowship, (2) answers to five short response questions, and (3) some basic information about you and your school or organization.
- Preview the application on the Frequently Asked Questions page
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated passion for ensuring all students can engage meaningfully with AI concepts and understand their implications.
- Evidence of current or emerging leadership abilities and readiness to become a change agent in AI education at local, state, and national levels.
- Clear understanding of and concern for responsible AI development, deployment, and education, with ability to guide students in critical analysis.
- Proven ability to work effectively with diverse groups and eagerness to contribute to a collaborative learning community.
- Demonstrated interest in transformative teaching practices and preparing students for an AI-integrated future.
- Has clear, creative, and thoughtful ideas for how to improve equitable access and achievement at a broader scale in the CSTA community.
Timeline
Application & Selection for 2025-2026 Cohort
- July 8: Application opens
- Aug. 15: Application deadline
- Sept. 22: Fellowship cohort announced
Convening Schedule
- Oct. 4, 2025: convening #1 (virtual)
- Nov. 15, 2025: convening #2 (in-person*)
- Jan. 10, 2026: convening #3 (virtual)
- March 7, 2026: convening #4 (virtual)
- May 9, 2026: convening #5 (virtual)
*In-person convenings will be held all day on Friday and Saturday, with travel to/from the location on Thursday and Sunday. All travel expenses will be covered by CSTA. Location is still TBD.
Monthly Meetings
- Sept. 22, 2025 (Orientation)
- Oct. 23, 2025
- Nov. 20, 2025
- Dec. 18, 2025
- Jan. 15, 2026
- Feb. 12, 2026
- March 19, 2026
- April 23, 2026
- May 21, 2026
- June 18, 2026
Major Events
July 13-15: CSTA Annual Conference
CSTA’s Responsible AI Fellowship is made possible in partnership with:
