Penn GSE’s PASS Program Receives $1 Million from Google to Expand AI Education in Schools

Philadelphia, PA, October 28, 2025 – The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) is pleased to announce a major expansion of its Pioneering AI in School Systems (PASS) program, made possible by $1 million in funding from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm. This support marks a significant milestone in Penn GSE’s commitment to shaping the future of education through innovative technology, rigorous research, and human-centered values.

“At Penn GSE, we are committed to leading the way in preparing educators and school systems for the age of artificial intelligence,” said L. Michael Golden, Vice Dean of Innovative Programs and Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. “This generous support from Google enables us to expand our PASS program and deepen our impact across the region. By equipping educators with the tools, knowledge, and ethical frameworks they need, we are helping to shape a future where AI enhances learning and promotes equity in every classroom.”

“To truly harness the potential of AI in learning, we need more than just tools – we need a scalable strategy for human capacity,” said Tequila Lamar, Google’s Education Engagement Lead. “We are thrilled to support Penn GSE’s PASS program as it provides the blueprint for effective and equitable AI professional development. By building expertise at every level, from district administrators setting policy to school leaders and educators, this initiative creates a comprehensive, system-level framework that has the potential to become a national model for public education.”

Educators and administrators across the country are grappling with how to integrate AI into teaching and learning. The initiative was designed to help school systems navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Originally launched in spring 2025 with foundational support from the Marrazzo Family Foundation, the PASS program began as a pilot in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP). PASS offers a scalable, district-based model that builds internal expertise, aligns local policies with emerging AI standards, and promotes responsible, equitable innovation. Topics include access, data privacy, model bias, and ethical implementation.

With the new funding from Google.org, PASS will expand to five school districts or regions across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The expanded program will launch in December 2025 and will be offered free of charge to participating districts. Participants will receive certificates of completion and full access to all program components.

PASS is structured as a three-tier professional development model to support ethical and effective AI use at every level of the public school system:

• District Leaders – Focused on policy development, strategic vision, and system-wide planning.
• School Leaders – Supporting schoolwide capacity-building and teacher development.
• Educators – Engaging in classroom-based learning, practice, and resource sharing.

This sequential, system-level approach ensures that AI integration is thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned across roles.

PASS is directed by Michael Golden, Betty Chandy, and Lara Paparo through Catalyst at Penn GSE, with support from faculty experts including Bodong Chen, and Penn GSE’s newest AI-focused faculty members Seiji Isotani and Shiyan Jiang. Their combined expertise spans AI in education, learning sciences, and teacher capacity-building. Seiji Isotani also leads Penn GSE’s new online master’s program in Learning Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.

Feedback from the initial pilot in the School District of Philadelphia has been overwhelmingly positive. District leaders, school administrators, and educators praised the program’s relevance, energy, and collaborative design. PASS is now emerging as a potential national model for AI professional development in public education.

About Penn GSE
The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) is one of the world’s leading schools for education research and practitioner preparation. Penn GSE partners with schools, universities, and communities to expand educational access—especially for those underserved by society—and, through rigorous research and innovative programs, develops new knowledge and transformational teachers and leaders in pursuit of educational opportunity. Follow Penn GSE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.