FullScale and All4Ed Launch National Rural AI Strategy Lab to Elevate Innovation in Underserved Communities
Applications now open for rural schools and districts to participate in new learning network on equitable AI implementation
Contact:
Jennifer Kabaker, FullScale
jennifer.kabaker@fullscalelearning.org
Enrique A. Chaurand, All4Ed
echaurand@all4ed.org
January 22, 2026 — FullScale, a national nonprofit working to accelerate innovation in K-12 education, today announced the launch of the Rural AI Strategy Lab, a groundbreaking initiative developed in partnership with All4Ed to explore the promise and realities of generative AI in rural school systems. Applications are now open for rural districts and schools to join this six-month learning and design network launching in early 2026.
As generative AI transforms the education landscape, rural communities—representing more than 40% of U.S. school districts—remain largely absent from national conversations about innovation. These systems often demonstrate creative, community-centered problem solving, yet face persistent barriers like limited staffing, infrastructure gaps, and restricted access to specialized instruction. The Rural AI Strategy Lab aims to elevate rural voices, build practical models for AI use, and inform policy and practice at scale.
“Rural schools are essential learning environments for understanding what effective, equitable AI implementation really looks like,” said Dr. Beth Rabbitt, Co-CEO of FullScale. “By investing in the leadership and ingenuity already present in these communities, we can surface models that not only serve local needs but also offer lessons for the broader field.”
The Strategy Lab will run from Spring through Fall 2026. During that time, a cohort of 12–15 rural districts and schools will engage in facilitated learning, design, and prototyping to co-develop AI-enabled solutions that fit their local contexts. Participants will receive coaching, tools, and stipends to support engagement. FullScale will capture insights and translate them into openly available toolkits, exemplars, and policy guidance to extend value beyond the cohort.
“All4Ed is proud to partner with FullScale to ensure rural educators are not left behind in shaping AI’s future in public education,” said Dr. Amy Loyd, President and CEO of All4Ed. “Our Future Ready Schools network has long championed innovation in diverse settings, and this collaboration will surface what’s possible when rural voices are centered in the design of powerful learning systems.”
This work builds on FullScale’s national leadership in AI in education—including its School Teams AI Collaborative and Exponential Learning Initiative—and All4Ed’s track record advancing policy and practice through its Future Ready Schools network.
Apply now
FullScale and All4Ed invite rural schools and districts interested in exploring AI’s potential to apply by February 13, 2026 by 11:59pm EST.
Apply by clicking here.
For more information, visit bit.ly/rural-ai or contact Megan Benay at megan.benay@fullscalelearning.org.
About FullScale
FullScale is a national nonprofit organization committed to accelerating field learning and systems change across education. Formed through the merger of The Learning Accelerator and Aurora Institute, FullScale builds open knowledge, cultivates networks, and catalyzes innovation to help every learner thrive.
About All4Ed
All4Ed is a national nonprofit advocacy organization committed to expanding equitable educational opportunities for students of color, from low-income families, and other marginalized groups. From the classroom to Congress, All4Ed advances educational transformation by championing policies and practices that ensure all students graduate prepared for college, career, and life. All4Ed’s Future Ready Schools® (FRS) is a nationwide network that empowers K–12 leaders to reimagine teaching and learning. Using a research-based framework, FRS helps districts create inclusive, student-centered, and future-focused learning environments that meet the needs of all learners. Learn more all4ed.org
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