The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded grants to eight projects focused on architecture. AI literacy and integrate A.I. Bringing the tool to museums and libraries across the United States.
More than $4 million has been allocated, according to a LinkedIn post by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, signaling a federal effort to position cultural institutions as gateways to AI education and workforce preparation.
This funding is in line with President Donald Trump’s 2025 Executive Order. Promoting artificial intelligence education for American youthand the White House AI Strategy Blueprint; Beating the Race: Americaโs AI Action Plan. This grant aims to expand access to AI learning beyond traditional classrooms and into public libraries and museums already serving local communities.
Universities and museums win awards
Sonderling wrote that the agency “awarded grants to eight projects to build AI literacy and integrate AI tools in museums and libraries across the country.”
He further added that the award supports the goals outlined in “President Trump’s 2025 Executive Order ๐๐ฅ๐ท๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ช๐ฏ๐จ๐๐ณ๐ต๐ช๐ง๐ช๐ค๐ช๐ข๐ญ.” AI for museums and libraries across the country By leveraging it as a catalyst for learning and workforce readiness. โ
The following institutions are listed.
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The University of Oklahoma will integrate generative AI into children’s maker-based learning experiences in public libraries and provide curriculum and training to improve informal STEM learning and AI literacy.
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The University of South Carolina will develop a national open-access curriculum to help secondary school librarians teach AI literacy.
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North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host a national forum and launch the Artificial Intelligence Catalysis Institute, billed as an online community of practice for library professionals.
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Purdue University will create an online AI training module for librarians that covers the lifecycle of an AI project, including planning, data preparation, model training, and evaluation, with both code and no-code options.
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Science museum opens AI progress in Americaa national initiative aimed at expanding understanding of AI in K-12 schools through exhibitions, programs, and digital resources.
Sonderling said the grant โadvances the White Houseโs AI strategy blueprint.โ It is written as ๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ค๐ฆ:๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ช๐ค๐ข”๐ด. ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ, supporting AI education and skills development priorities that empower America’s workers in the AI โโera. โ
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the federal government’s primary source of support for the nation’s museums and libraries. By directing AI-focused funding through these channels, the agency is expanding its AI education footprint into informal, community-based learning environments.
Sonderling also said that grant applications for fiscal year 2026 are now open and institutions are encouraged to apply by March 13, 2026.
ETIH Innovation Award 2026
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 is now open and recognizes education technology organizations that are driving measurable impact across K-12, higher education, and lifelong learning. The award welcomes applications from the UK, the Americas and overseas, and applications will be assessed on the basis of evidence of achievement and practical application.
