CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship 2026: Apply Now

Are you a K-12 computer science teacher ready to lead the way in ethical AI education? The CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded, six-month program to build your skills and network. This leadership opportunity helps educators like you teach AI responsibly and advocate for its fair use in schools and beyond.

About the Responsible AI Fellowship

The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) runs this fellowship to create a group of about 15 educators. Fellows form a learning community focused on peer support, hands-on activities, and growth as leaders. The program teaches how to bring responsible AI into classrooms, tackle ethical issues, and make AI learning open to all students.

AI changes how we teach and live every day. This fellowship prepares you to guide students through its challenges and benefits.

Key Focus Areas

Fellows gain skills in four main areas:

Ethical AI Frameworks: Study basic rules for building and using AI in a responsible way.
Inclusive AI Education: Create lessons that everyone can access, no matter their background.
Transformative Teaching Practices: Train students to think about how AI affects society.
Leadership & Advocacy: Learn to push for better AI education in your school, area, or country.

These topics help you turn ideas into real classroom tools.

What Fellows Will Do

Once selected, you will take part in several key activities:

Build strong knowledge in AI ethics and smart innovation.
Make projects and teaching materials with tools like generative AI.
Connect with other teachers and AI specialists.
Develop skills in leading groups, speaking in public, and advocating for change.
Add to the field of responsible AI teaching.
Join the CSTA community and help shape the fellowship.

These steps make sure you leave with practical results.

Benefits of Joining

The fellowship provides real support and rewards:

A $1,000 stipend to help with your time.
Up to 50 hours of training with experts in AI, teaching, and policy.
One-on-one guidance from peers and group learning sessions.
Help with a final project, including plans to share it widely.
Chances to speak at big events like CSEdWeek and the CSTA Annual Conference.
Travel, hotel, and meals paid for at conferences.
Spotlight on CSTA websites and paths to bigger roles.
Links to a national group of computer science teachers.

These perks make the program worth the effort.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

You must meet these basics to join:

Hold a membership in the Computer Science Teachers Association. Join at csteachers.org/join if needed.
Teach computer science in grades K-12 right now.
Send in a full application by the deadline.

Application Requirements

Put together these parts:

A video of 1-2 minutes where you introduce yourself and explain your interest.
Answers to short essay questions.
Details about yourself, your school, or organization.

Keep it clear and honest.

How Selection Works

Judges look for:

Signs you can lead and spark change in AI teaching.
Skill in working with different people.
Strong drive for fair and ethical AI in schools.
Basic grasp of responsible AI ideas.
Love for new teaching styles that shake things up.
Fresh plans to open AI learning to more students.

Show these traits to stand out.

Fellowship Timeline for 2026

Mark these dates:

Application Phase

April 3, 2026: Applications start.
May 1, 2026 (11:59 PM PT): Last day to apply.
May 18, 2026: Find out if selected.

Program Schedule

May 18, 2026: Kickoff meeting.
June 6, 2026: Online group session.
July 12-15, 2026: In-person at the CSTA Annual Conference.
September 26, 2026: Another online session.
November 7, 2026: Fellowship Summit.
December 2026: Join CSEdWeek activities.

The mix of online and in-person keeps it flexible.

Partners Behind the Program

Google and Generation AI team up with CSTA to fund and run this. Their support brings top resources to fellows.

How to Apply Now

Head to the official CSTA site and submit by May 1, 2026 (11:59 PM PT). Use this link to start: APPLY NOW.

Quick Tip: Film your video ahead of time. Talk about your plans to bring responsible AI to your class or area. This makes your case stronger.

If ethical AI fires you up, apply to the CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship 2026 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship?

It’s a fully funded six-month program for K-12 computer science teachers to build skills in ethical AI education, leadership, and advocacy through hands-on activities and a learning community.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

You must be a current CSTA member, teach computer science in grades K-12, and submit a full application by the deadline.

What are the benefits of joining?

Fellows get a $1,000 stipend, up to 50 hours of training, conference travel paid, speaking opportunities, and connections to a national network.

When is the application deadline for 2026?

Applications open on April 3, 2026, and close on May 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.