Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Information and Intelligent Systems awarded $124,556 to Broward Education Foundation, Inc. under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) program (CFDA 47.070) on June 1, 2026, for a 16-month collaborative research initiative. This project, "Districts Helping Districts: Expanding and Amplifying Network Support for K-12 AI Integration," extends Broward County Public Schools' existing K-12 computational thinking pathway to support coherent integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools into classroom instruction. The deliverables include AI-enhanced lesson plans aligned to four core computational competencies (pattern recognition, computational modeling, algorithmic thinking, and data practices), revised district curriculum maps reflecting cumulative learning across grade levels, and comprehensive teacher preparation materials designed to help educators and students understand not only how to use AI tools but how those tools function from a conceptual standpoint.

The project directly addresses the challenge of moving K-12 AI adoption beyond basic tool use by grounding it in established computational thinking frameworks. Through curriculum development and piloting activities conducted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the initiative aims to establish a replicable district-wide model for systematic, grade-banded AI literacy integration that can be adopted by other school districts. This work supports the National Science Foundation's goals for advancing AI education for American youth while contributing to broader efforts in workforce development and technology-informed K-12 education. The project is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2027.