Search for "AI grants for schools" and you'll find long lists of programs. The catch: many of them fund university researchers or edtech companies, not school districts. If you're a CTE director or curriculum director, you need to know which grants your district can actually apply for.
This list focuses on that. For each program, we note who's eligible and where it stands in 2026.
1. STEAM in AI™ Implementation Grant (Congeriem + DataEthics4All Foundation)
Who it's for: US schools launching AI education in grades 4-12.
What it funds: Qualifying institutions can receive a grant for 50% of implementation costs and readiness assessments.
This is one of the few grants designed specifically to fund a complete, classroom-ready AI program rather than research or product development. It covers STEAM in AI™: AI Ethics Explorers for grades 4-8 (115 lessons, 108 hours) and High School Introduction to AI & Ethical Principles for grades 9-12 (290 lessons, 132 hours).
Request the grant application →
2. New Jersey: AI Technology in CTE Pathways
Who it's for: New Jersey LEAs with grades 9-12 eligible for Perkins funding.
What it funds: Project-based AI learning in state-approved CTE programs, industry partnerships, and professional learning for CTE staff, with up to $25,000 per district. The 2026 application closed on January 22, 2026, so watch for the next cycle.
3. Pennsylvania: PAsmart
Who it's for: Pennsylvania schools, school districts, CTE providers, nonprofits, and higher education institutions in cross-sector partnerships.
What it funds: STEM, computer science, and AI education. Individual grants range from $75,000 to $500,000 for multi-year projects.
4. Michigan: CTE Expansion Grants
Who it's for: Michigan districts.
What it funds: Three-year competitive grants that expand access to CTE programs aligned to high-skill, high-wage, in-demand occupations, with a focus on CTE deserts. AI-related pathways fit well here.
5. California: Golden State Pathways Program
Who it's for: California districts.
What it funds: Technical assistance and implementation funding tied to career pathway programs, which can include AI-focused pathways.
6. Federal formula funds (Title and Perkins V)
Who it's for: Every eligible US district.
What it funds: The Department of Education has issued guidance on using formula and discretionary grant funds for responsible AI integration, including AI for college and career pathway exploration. These are funds you likely already receive, so they're often the fastest route. See our guide: Can Perkins V Funds Pay for AI Curriculum?
7. Humanity AI (philanthropic coalition)
Who it's for: Mostly nonprofits and education organizations; districts usually participate through a partner.
What it funds: Ten major foundations launched this $500 million, five-year initiative with education as a named priority, and grants from its pooled fund begin in 2026.
8. NSF: Expanding K-12 Resources for AI Education
Who it's for: Current NSF awardees only. Districts can take part by partnering with a university that holds an NSF award.
What it funds: Supplements of up to $300,000 (or 20% of the original award) to bring AI education into new K-12 settings, with a listed deadline of September 30, 2026.
How to choose the right grant
If you're outside New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or California, your realistic options are federal formula funds and national programs open to all US schools. The strongest strategy is to stack them: use a 50% implementation grant, then cover the remaining share with Perkins, Title, or local funds.
Read next: AI Curriculum Grants: How to Fund AI in Your Schools, CTE Grants for AI Programs, and How to Apply for an AI Education Grant.
See if your school qualifies for 50% funding →
