$50,000 NSF planning award brings higher ed and K-12 educators together to address barriers to classroom technology

SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is partnering with educators from the Whitesboro Central School District on a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project aimed at improving access to artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science education for high school students.

The SUNY Poly-led team received a $50,000 NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY Planning Grant for the project, “Co-Designing a Scalable Hosted Learning Platform for Secondary AI and Computer Science Education.” The team is part of the program’s inaugural cohort of 50 interdisciplinary teams nationwide.

This project is led by SUNY Poly Lecturer in Computer Science Derek Taylor and Director of Pre-Collegiate Outreach John Reade. They are working alongside Whitesboro High School educators Michael Eramo and Sean Ryan, both New York State Master Teacher Emeriti. Eramo brings 14 years of classroom experience in physics and computer science, while Ryan brings 28 years of experience in education, including the past nine years as Science Department Chairperson. Ryan also brings the valuable perspective of a parent of students in the district, further strengthening the team’s partnership.  

“This partnership is a great example of what can happen when higher education and K-12 educators work together around a shared challenge,” said Reade. “By combining the firsthand experience of teachers with workforce development, we have an opportunity to develop an approach that is practical for educators, engaging for students, and potentially scalable to other school districts.”

Many secondary schools want to expand AI and computer science education but face barriers including limited technical support, restrictive IT environments, fragmented instructional tools, and difficulty providing students with reliable computing workspaces.

The project will explore a hosted learning environment that could provide students with stable computing workspaces and curriculum-aligned AI and computer science activities while giving teachers the tools and support needed to use them effectively.

“The Whitesboro Central School District is thrilled that two of its educators have been selected as key members of a statewide grant initiative focused on advancing artificial intelligence literacy and responsible AI use in high schools,” said David Russo, Whitesboro Central School District Superintendent of Schools. “This project will enhance student engagement with New York State computer science and digital fluency standards, ensuring meaningful and impactful learning experiences for students across the state. Whitesboro educators are contributing to this significant effort to prepare students statewide for the demands of an AI driven future.”

During the planning phase, the team will gather input from students, educators, parents and guardians, school stakeholders, and technical contributors. That feedback will inform platform requirements, student and teacher interface wireframes, and an analysis of technical and instructional feasibility. If the planning work demonstrates that the proposed model is viable, it will position the team to compete for a future NSF Development award focused on building, refining, and piloting the platform.