Pi515, a nonprofit teaching technology skills to underserved youth, is set to receive a $50,000 contribution from Google to expand its youth-led AI education initiatives. The funding will support two programs: the AI Navigator Fellowship and the Educator Learning Cohort, positioning students and teachers as leaders in responsible AI integration. According to a news release, Pi515’s youth-led, teacher-supported AI education model aims to addresses a core challenge of educators being expected to master a rapidly evolving technology. The AI Navigator Fellowship will train 50 to 100 student leaders to become peer mentors and facilitators, promoting responsible AI use in their schools and communities. Building on Pi515’s “train the trainer” model, these student navigators will lead workshops, facilitate discussions and help their peers understand AI’s potential, limits and ethical considerations. The Educator Learning Cohort will provide student-led professional development for teachers, equipping them with practical tools and frameworks to integrate AI responsibly into their classrooms. “Iowa’s future is bright when we connect talent, vision and the right partnerships,” Nancy Mwirotsi, founder and executive director of Pi515, said in a prepared statement. “This is what drives us here at Pi515. This is about trust, safety, and how we raise the next generation to navigate the AI-driven future.”
