Lawrence Township Public Schools has announced that it is one of only 10 school districts in New Jersey to receive the “Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Education Grant” to support initiatives to advance the role of AI in the classroom.
The grant, which was awarded by the N.J. Department of Education, is for $72,805. The funds were appropriated in appropriated in Gov. Phil Murphy’s fiscal year 2025 budget.
This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to ensuring students and educators are prepared for a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world while fostering inclusivity and equity in learning.
This funding will allow the district to address the unique strengths, needs and challenges of its community by equipping students and teachers with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in a future where AI plays an increasingly critical role.
Goals of the program
Through this grant funding, LTPS plans to set forth the following four main transformative goals:
Empowering Educators through Professional Development. Teachers will receive differentiated training on AI integration, data literacy, and ethical AI use, ensuring all staff—whether novices or advanced users—are equipped to incorporate AI into their instructional design.
The district will collaborate with consultants and AI experts to guide educators in implementing AI tools to enhance teaching and learning.
Enhancing Curricula with AI Literacy. New, standards-aligned high school curricula will focus on AI-related topics, including machine learning, data ethics, algorithmic thinking, cybersecurity, and generative AI.
AI concepts will also be integrated into other content areas, promoting cross-disciplinary learning and fostering critical and computational thinking across all subjects.
Addressing the Digital Divide. Grant funding will be used to upgrade classroom technology, providing equitable access to powerful devices that allow students to explore AI tools, create machine learning models, and engage in real-world simulations.
Personalized learning features such as text-to-speech, adaptive platforms, and real-time translation will create more equitable opportunities for students with diverse learning needs.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce. The initiative aims to inspire underrepresented students to pursue careers in STEM and AI, showcasing their potential through district- and community-wide showcases of student projects.
By emphasizing AI literacy and representation, LTPS seeks to create pathways for students to confidently navigate technology-driven career opportunities.
The AI initiative will kick off in early Spring of 2025 with the establishment of an AI Advisory Committee, pilot programs, and professional development workshops.
By the 2025-2026 school year, new courses and AI-powered tools will be introduced district-wide, with ongoing support, data collection, and policy refinement.
“This grant allows us to bridge the digital divide, ensure equitable access to cutting-edge technology, and prepare our students to lead in an AI-powered world, said Dr. Robyn Klim, Superintendent of Schools.
“Our vision is to create a learning environment where every student, regardless of background, can access the tools and skills needed to succeed in the future,” Klim said.
LTPS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, high-quality education that empowers all students. With this groundbreaking AI initiative, the district continues to lead the way in innovative educational practices, ensuring its diverse student body is future-ready.
“In New Jersey, we are committed to building up our innovation economy and investing in the next generation of tech leaders,” said Governor Phil Murphy regarding the grant funding.
“By giving our students the tools necessary to engage with AI, we are ensuring our state will remain a national leader in cutting-edge technological advancements and innovations for years to come. I look forward to seeing what these grant recipients are able to accomplish.” Murphy added.
Said Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer: “The school districts receiving these grants are at the forefront of the future of education. By embracing AI, they are preparing students to excel in a workforce that increasingly requires a deep understanding of how to leverage this technology.
“These programs are an important step toward ensuring that our classrooms not only integrate the latest technologies but also nurture the critical thinking and ethical understanding needed to thrive in the age of AI.”
For more information about this initiative, contact Sarah Foster, Supervisor of Instructional Technology, at sfoster@ltps.org, or visit the district’s website at www.ltps.org.
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