The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance for grantees on how federal funds can be used to support the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools, while also proposing a new supplemental grant priority aimed at advancing AI in education.
The guidance, detailed in a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) sent Tuesday, affirms that AI-related initiatives—including instructional tools, tutoring systems, and college and career navigation platforms—are eligible for funding under existing federal education programs, provided they comply with legal and regulatory standards.
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education and support improved outcomes for learners,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “By teaching students about AI and integrating it responsibly, we can strengthen our schools and our economy.”
The guidance encourages schools to focus on AI applications that personalize learning, reduce administrative burdens, and promote AI literacy and computer science education. It also highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement—particularly from parents and teachers—to ensure AI is used ethically and effectively.
In tandem, the Department published a proposed supplemental grant priority in the Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period. This marks Secretary McMahon’s fourth proposed priority since May, joining evidence-based literacy, education choice, and state-led education.
The new priority promotes the integration of AI and computer science across K-12 and higher education, professional development for educators, and the use of AI to enhance differentiated instruction. The proposal also supports using AI to improve teacher training and streamline classroom operations.
The actions follow President Trump’s April 23 Executive Order on advancing AI education for American youth. Public comments on the proposed priority are open through August 20, 2025, at Regulations.gov.
The Department also noted that it is exploring AI applications to modernize internal operations, including student aid fraud prevention and service delivery.
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