The CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship is a transformative 6-month intensive leadership journey that empowers K-12 educators to develop ethical, inclusive, and innovative approaches to artificial intelligence education. This program addresses the critical need for educators who can navigate the complex landscape of AI while ensuring responsible innovation reaches every classroom.
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 2026 cohort open April 3, 2026.
Applications for the 2026 cohort close May 1, 2026, 11:59 PM PT
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 for our 2026 cohort, encompassing K-12 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 projects and resources to support educators using generative AI in teaching spaces
- 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
- Shape their fellowship experience by choosing how they build engagement opportunities within the CSTA community
Benefits
- $1,000 stipend
- Professional Learning: Up to 50 contact hours with premier voices in AI ethics, education, and policy, including quarterly convenings and strategic working sessions
- Peer Mentorship: Collaborative support and learning from fellow educators and expert speakers
- Capstone Project: Support in developing resources, curricula, or initiatives that advance responsible AI education, with strategic dissemination planning to maximize your project’s reach
- National Platform: Opportunities to share your work at CSEdWeek (December 2026) and the 2026 CSTA Annual Conference, with additional opportunities to present on a national stage, including publications, podcasts, and 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, including a pathway to becoming a Community of Practice leader
- Connection to a dynamic cohort of passionate AI education leaders and CSTA’s extensive network of CS educators nationwide
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a CSTA member. (Not a member? Join CSTA here!)
- Be a current K-12 CS teacher
- Submit a completed application by May 1, 2026 11:59 PM PT
A completed application includes:
- A 1-2 minute video introducing yourself and your interest in the fellowship
- Answers to short response questions about your teaching practice and vision for responsible AI education
- Basic information about you and your school or organization
Preview the application on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Selection Criteria
We’re looking for educators who:
- Show evidence of current or emerging leadership abilities and readiness to become a change agent in AI education
- Work effectively with diverse groups and are eager to contribute to a collaborative learning community
- Demonstrate passion for ensuring all students can engage meaningfully with AI concepts and understand their implications
- Have a clear understanding of and concern for responsible AI development, deployment, and education
- Are interested in transformative teaching practices and preparing students for an AI-integrated future
- Bring creative and thoughtful ideas for improving equitable access to AI education in the CSTA community
Timeline
Application & Selection for 2026 Cohort
- April 3, 2026: Application opens
- May 1, 2026: Application deadline
- May 18, 2026: Fellowship cohort announced
Orientation, Launch & Convenings Schedule
- May 18, 2026: Orientation
- June 6, 2026: Convening (virtual)
- July 12–15, 2026: CSTA Annual Conference & Fellowship In-Person Convening
- Sept, 26, 2026: Virtual Convening
Monthly Meetings
- Fellowship Meetings (Attend 3 of 5 offerings):
- August 13, 2026
- August 27, 2026
- September 10, 2026
- October 15, 2026
- November 12, 2026
- Working Meetings (Attend 3 of 4 offerings)
- October 8, 2026
- October 22, 2026
- November 19, 2026
- December 3, 2026
Major Events
- November 7, 2026: CSTA Fellowship Summit
- December 2026: CSEdWeek
CSTA’s Responsible AI Fellowship is made possible in partnership with:
