NEA receives Microsoft grant to expand AI literacy and leadership

Rhea-AI Summary

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) has awarded a $325,000 grant to the National Education Association (NEA) through its Microsoft Elevate program to expand AI literacy and leadership initiatives in education. The partnership aims to help 10,000 additional educators navigate AI opportunities and challenges through micro-credentials and fresh content.

Building on NEA's previous collaboration with ISTE, this initiative will focus on policy development and leadership training for state affiliates. The grant emphasizes maintaining human-centered AI implementation in education while ensuring educators have input in Microsoft's AI tool development.

This follows NEA's recent policy statement approval at their 103rd Representative Assembly, which prioritizes preserving student-educator relationships in AI implementation.

Positive

• Partnership will reach 10,000 additional educators with AI training and micro-credentials
• Educators will have direct input in Microsoft's AI tool development
• Grant supports policy and leadership development for NEA state affiliates

Negative

• None.

NEA president: This technology will continue to fundamentally change the way we teach and learn

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NEA, the largest provider of education micro-credentials in the United States, announced on Wednesday that it has received an initial $325,000 grant from Microsoft Elevate to expand its ongoing efforts to support educators as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The partnership will also provide opportunities for educators to inform the development of Microsoft AI tools.

"Understanding AI goes far beyond tools and apps. This technology will continue to fundamentally change the way we teach and learn, and the ways we interact with the world and each other," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "Our students and educators cannot be passive users; they must have agency with this technology and an appreciation for the uniquely human assets we bring to learning and to our professions."

"Educators prepare every generation to meet the future — and today, they're shaping how AI becomes a tool for confidence, creativity and critical thinking," said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. "Our partnership with NEA is rooted in a simple truth: Technology is only as valuable as the people empowered to use it. Through Microsoft Elevate, we're investing in AI literacy and leadership, so educators and students stay at the center of AI in the classroom."

Last year, NEA partnered with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to deliver an AI learning series that reached thousands of members. Building on that success, the new Microsoft grant will enable NEA to engage an additional 10,000 members with fresh content and micro-credentials, further strengthening the knowledge and fluency of both educators and leaders in this emerging field. The grant will also support a dedicated focus on policy and leadership development for NEA's state affiliates.

"By preparing educators and leaders with the knowledge to lead and innovate educational practices and policies, and by providing avenues of practitioner input into the design of AI tools, we strive to ensure AI technologies are used in human-centered ways that promote equity, mitigate potential harms, and enrich both teaching and learning," said Pringle.

Through this grant, NEA reaffirms its commitment to elevating professional excellence, amplifying educator voice, and guaranteeing that every student has access to safe, equitable and high-quality learning opportunities amid rapid technological change.

Last July, nearly 7,000 educator delegates gathered at the Philadelphia Convention Center for the National Education Association's 103rd Representative Assembly (RA), where they approved a policy statement to address the emerging phenomenon of AI and its impact on public schools. 

At the heart of the new policy is the principle that the student-educator connection must always be the center of the teaching and learning experience and must play a significant role in every consequential education decision. 

"Decades of research tell us that student success relies on our ability to build healthy and effective relationships with students. Their sense of feeling supported and valued predicts their success and their love of learning," said Pringle. "The work we will do together with Microsoft is intended to enhance — not diminish — that relationship by giving educators the tools and voice they need to use AI in ways that deepen learning, foster trust and keep students at the heart of everything we do."

Read NEA's full NEA's full Policy Statement on AI in education.

Visit NEA AI hub page for guidance, tools and professional learning opportunities to help educators navigate the evolving role of artificial intelligence in schools and classrooms.

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About The National Education Association

The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

 

 

 

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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

FAQ

What is the value of Microsoft's grant to NEA for AI education in 2025?

Microsoft has awarded NEA an initial grant of $325,000 through its Microsoft Elevate program to expand AI literacy and leadership initiatives.

How many additional educators will NEA reach through the Microsoft grant program?

The grant will enable NEA to engage 10,000 additional members with fresh content and micro-credentials in AI education.

What is the main goal of the Microsoft-NEA AI education partnership?

The partnership aims to support educators in navigating AI opportunities and challenges in education while providing them opportunities to inform Microsoft's AI tool development.

How does NEA plan to implement AI in education according to their policy?

NEA emphasizes that student-educator connections must remain central to teaching and learning, using AI to enhance rather than diminish these relationships while promoting equity and safe learning opportunities.

What previous AI initiatives has NEA undertaken before the Microsoft grant?

NEA previously partnered with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to deliver an AI learning series that reached thousands of members.