Preparing every DC student to thrive in an age of AI.
We unite public charter schools, DC Public Schools, government leaders, policymakers, and business partners around a shared, equity- and human-centered approach to AI in PK-12 education.
We are in a moment.
AI is reshaping education and the workforce faster than any technology shift in memory.
Educators, families, and students are already asking hard questions, and school leaders are looking for direction.
The workforce is being rewired. Our young people need the skills AI cannot replicate: judgment, empathy, creativity, leadership, ethics, and the ability to truly connect with another human being.
The future is arriving whether schools are ready or not. The question is whether we shape it or simply react to it.
In DC, we are choosing to shape it together, again.
In 2025, the Capital Math Collective, a $20 million public-private partnership, united every DC public and public charter school around evidence-based math instruction that accelerates student outcomes.
In 2026, the Education Recovery Scorecard, a national research project from Harvard and Stanford, named DC the most improved state in math since the pandemic.
Led by EmpowerK12 and the DC Charter School Alliance, in partnership with DC Public Schools, the AI Collective is the next chapter: the same playbook, applied to the most consequential shift in education today.
AI readiness must help every young person reach a thriving future, anchored to our bold goal that priority student groups in Washington, DC achieve at or above national averages in math and reading.
How we are leading
Convening and listening with a cross-sector of advisors to shape the pathways for our young people's future.
Steering Committee
DC leaders from education, government, community, and industry, with three priorities: build a citywide picture of AI in DC schools, equip school leaders, and provide systems-level support and guidance.
Learn moreStrategic Councils
Four cross-sector councils of educators, school leaders, parents, students, government leaders, community members, and industry partners surfacing the big questions and a learning agenda.
Learn moreIndustry Advisory Board
A group of national and regional leaders spanning AI, the future of work, education innovation, workforce mobility, policy, and human-centered technology.
Coming fall 2026From evidence to action
Surface the opportunity, promise, and drawbacks of AI in education and position DC as the national leader in leveraging AI for student outcomes.
Research and evidence
Generate data-driven evidence of AI's impact in DC classrooms and identify bright spots, with support from leading researchers and partners.
Coming fall 2026Responsible AI systems
Develop citywide systems of support, policies, and guardrails for responsible AI use in classrooms.
Coming fall 2026Build community and share
Launch experiences that invite the whole city in, including the AI Education Leadership Summit (October 7, 2026), AI Learning Cohorts, collaborations to build new post-secondary pathways, and a Resource Hub.
Coming fall 2026Together, we can make sure every DC graduate walks off the stage ready for the world that's waiting.