Stanford Accelerator for Learning AI + Learning Impact Grants

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning is launching a round of AI + Learning Impact Grants to catalyze transformative innovations in learning. 

These grants are intended to bridge the gap from demonstrated proof-of-concept toward readiness for implementation at scale, supporting both rigorous evidence generation in authentic learning settings and the continued strengthening of promising AI-enabled learning innovations.

The program will provide a total of $1.5 million in funding across three awards of up to $500,000 each. Eligible projects may focus on learning in any context, including early childhood, K–12, higher education, adult learning, and informal learning environments.

Project Stage

The AI + Learning Impact Grants are designed for projects that have demonstrated initial feasibility through prior research, pilot implementation, or proof-of-concept work and are ready for the next stage of research, evaluation, and implementation.

Funded projects may include activities needed to support implementation and evidence generation. This may include strengthening technical robustness, refining learning experiences based on emerging evidence, and developing implementation and evaluation approaches for real-world educational settings.

These grants are not intended to support the development of initial prototypes or innovations that have already reached large-scale implementation.

Program Priorities

The AI + Learning Impact Grants aim to support projects that:

• Advance research-backed innovations at the intersection of AI and learning
• Demonstrate the potential to improve learning outcomes and educational practice.
• Advance scientific understanding of learning in the age of AI
• Promote inclusion, including access to high-quality learning opportunities, particularly for historically underserved learners and communities
• Demonstrate a credible pathway toward readiness for implementation at scale

Projects may span a wide range of learning contexts, disciplines, and approaches, including:

• AI-enabled learning systems and tutoring
• Tools that support teaching, feedback, and assessment
• AI for learning differences and accessibility
• Immersive simulations and experiential learning
• Learning through creation with AI

• New models of curriculum, pedagogy, or educational infrastructure

   

Award Structure

• Funding: $1.5M total
• Awards: 3
• Award Size: Up to $500K
• Project Duration: 18–24 months.

Teams are encouraged to include interdisciplinary collaborations across Stanford schools and departments.

Accelerator Studio Support

Projects at this stage often require teams to engage in work beyond their primary areas of expertise, such as research and evaluation, learning design, technology development, or partnerships. The Accelerator Studio offers technical, research, learning science, and partnership consulting to support funded projects. The specific needs and allocation of support will be determined in consultation with the Accelerator Studio. Examples of support include:

• Technology: Instructional and interface design, application development, testing, and media production.
• Research: Research and evaluation design, measure development, data agreements, and IRB guidance.
• Learning science: Evidence-based strategies for improving learning experiences.

• Partnerships: Developing partnerships that strengthen implementation and evidence generation.

   

Review Criteria:

Projects will be evaluated based on their potential to: 

• Align with the goals, scope, and intended project stage of the AI + Learning Impact Grants.
• Produce measurable improvements in learner outcomes
• Generate rigorous evidence about learning outcomes and contributing features
• Advance educational practice through AI-enabled learning innovations
• Open new possibilities for AI-enabled learning
• Expand equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities
• Identify and responsibly address potential ethical and societal considerations associated with AI-enabled learning.

Timeline

Proposal Process

The competition is open to all Stanford PI-eligible faculty. Projects that have previously received support from the Stanford Accelerator for Learning are encouraged to apply, although prior Accelerator funding is not required. 

The competition will follow a two-stage process:

Stage 1 — Concept Note (Due October 5)

Applicants will complete an online form consisting of several short narrative responses describing:

• The proposed project and the learning challenge or opportunity it addresses.
• The current stage of the project, including prior work demonstrating feasibility and why it is well suited for the AI + Learning Impact Grants.
• A sketch of the proposed research during the grant period, including potential research populations and settings, comparison groups if appropriate, and measurable outcomes.
• A sketch of the technological work needed to improve the learning solution and prepare it for broad implementation.
• Ethical or societal considerations associated with the proposed work.
• Key collaborators.
• Prior funding and brief budget narrative.

Applicants will also have the opportunity to indicate areas where Accelerator Studio support would be most valuable.

Concept notes will be reviewed to identify approximately 8–10 projects that will be invited to advance to the full proposal stage.

Stage 2 — Full Proposal (Due November 16; invited teams only)

Selected teams will be invited to submit a detailed full proposal (up to 6 pages, excluding references) together with a formal budget. Full proposals should provide a more comprehensive description of:

• The proposed project, its significance, and anticipated impact.
• Prior work, evidence generated to date, and remaining questions to be addressed.
• The proposed work during the grant period, including major project activities, a detailed research and evaluation approach, and plan for implementation and evaluation in authentic learning settings.
• Considerations of responsible AI and equity, including ethical and societal considerations and strategies for promoting equitable learning opportunities.
• The project team, key partnerships, project timeline and milestones, budget narrative, and anticipated areas where Accelerator Studio support would strengthen the project.

A completed budget using the provided Excel budget template must also be submitted.

More Information:

Optional information sessions will overview the grant program and answer applicant questions.  Info sessions will be held via Zoom on:

• September 1,  9:00am - 9:40am PT
• September 16, 3:00pm - 3:40pm PT
• September 25, 12:00pm - 12:40pm PT 

RSVP here (requires Stanford login) to receive the Zoom link and attend an info session.

Questions? Contact Kristen Pilner Blair (kpilner@stanford.edu) at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. 

Proposals should be submitted via the Stanford Seed Funding website.

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About the Stanford Accelerator for Learning:

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning seeks to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges facing learners. Housed at Stanford Graduate School of Education, the Stanford Accelerator for Learning is the first university-wide initiative connecting scholars across disciplines and with external partners to bridge research, innovation, practice, and policy, and bring quality scalable and equitable learning experiences to all learners, throughout the lifespan.