MicroChat CS & AI Literacy Grant - Applications Now Open!
AI literacy is one of the most requested PD topics in K-12. The challenge for most districts and organizations is not interest. It is time, materials, and budget. This grant fills the gap.
Organizations that apply with a proposed MicroChat workshop event can receive:
- 1-year site licensing for MicroChat (valued at $200 per license)
- A live virtual training session led by our team
- Workshop slides and ready-to-use AI literacy lesson plans
- Promotion of their event to 10,000+ educators in our network
Total award value: $1,000 or more.
Apply here.
MicroChat is an AI assistant for coding micro:bit that teaches students to build and interact with AI, not just use it. When students write code and watch it run on a physical device, they develop a real understanding of how AI systems work. That is something a chat interface cannot replicate. MicroChat also lowers the floor for students new to coding. The AI guide handles the syntax so students can focus on their idea and then understand the code that made it work. Lower floor, higher ceiling.
The approach aligns directly to the 2026 Computer Science Teachers Association K-12 Standards revision, which embeds AI learning outcomes across all grade bands. For curriculum coordinators building a professional development plan now, this is a strong alignment story to bring to district leadership.
Who can apply:
- RESAs and Regional Education Agencies: statewide and regional service centers serving multiple districts (priority consideration for large-scale reach)
- School Districts: public K-12 districts planning educator Arificial Intelligence PD
- Nonprofit Education Orgs: CS/STEM focused nonprofits and afterschool programs (must serve K-12 students or educators in a defined region)
- Higher Ed and Teacher Prep: colleges of education and pre-service programs (must include hands-on MicroChat training for student teachers or faculty)
- micro:bit Champions who run workshops and advocate for hands-on physical computing and AI literacy within their communities
Applications are rolling. Review takes 3-5 business days. Grant awarded within one week.
If your organization is planning PD sessions and AI literacy is on the list, apply or share this with the person on your team who would make that call.