aiEDU expands Trailblazer fellowship, targeting rural and Indigenous communities, to build AI Readiness for America’s teachers

August 4, 2025 — The AI Education Project (aiEDU) is significantly expanding its Trailblazer Fellowship, adding eight new educator cohorts — including six focused specifically on rural cohorts schools — as part of its third year of programming.

The expansion is designed to help more K–12 teachers build “AI Readiness” through professional development, networking, and access to cutting-edge curriculum.

Among the new additions is a dedicated Montana cohort led by Trailblazer alum Connor Mulvaney and a partnership with Indigitize to launch a cohort serving Native educators. That group will explore how Indigenous knowledge systems and community values intersect with AI literacy.

“Teachers know what we all know — that AI is already reshaping our world,” said aiEDU CEO Alex Kotran. “They want to be prepared and help students navigate these changes.”

The Trailblazers program includes a stipend, national recognition, and hands-on support. Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are due by Friday, August 15.

Read aiEDU’s full press release here.