Expanding free AI training for educators

Google.org announced a $4 million commitment to Digital Promise at the United Nations General Assembly to fund free AI training for educators. The funding will support the Google AI Educator Series, a program designed to equip teachers and faculty with practical AI skills. The initiative aligns with broader discussions on AI’s role in education and the need to keep educators central to learning processes. Digital Promise, a nonprofit focused on expanding educational opportunities, will administer the program.

The training, developed with ISTE, targets foundational AI skills, instructional judgment, and practical applications for lesson planning and productivity. It uses a "teachers teaching teachers" model to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Educators can access self-paced e-learning modules and earn digital badges to demonstrate their learning. The program is available through the Google for Education Learning Center.

Earlier this year, Google announced plans to provide free AI training to all 6 million K-12 teachers and higher education faculty in the U.S. The initiative aims to democratize access to AI tools and skills across educational institutions. Digital Promise will use the $4 million to develop scalable models for broader adoption of AI professional development. The funding will also support frameworks to ensure high-quality, hands-on training for educators.

Digital Promise will lead the expansion of the Google AI Educator Series with the new funding. Educators, school leaders, and faculty can begin training immediately through the Google for Education Learning Center. The program emphasizes practical, transferable skills that apply to various AI tools. Digital badges will recognize educators’ commitment to continuous learning in AI.