California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Philanthropic Foundation has been awarded $500,000 in funding from Google.org—the company’s philanthropy—to advance artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and integration across California’s PK-12 education system. The funding will support the expansion of the university’s innovative online PK-12 AI Integration Certificate, providing educators with the knowledge, skills, and tools to ethically and effectively bring AI into their classrooms.
This award coincides with Google’s celebration of Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), during which the tech leader announced funding to bolster computer science teaching in the age of AI. In a statement detailing the initiative, Google highlighted its support of organizations like CSUDH to “prepare teachers to deliver foundational computer science and AI curriculum to K-12 students,” ensuring that as the field evolves, the vital principles of computer science remain accessible.
“AI is transforming education, and our teachers need the skills to examine its potential and impact responsibly,” said Mike Karlin, who serves as Director of the Snap Inc. Institute for Technology and Education (SITE) at CSUDH, and Chair of the Department of Liberal Studies. “This grant from Google.org allows us to scale our online certificate program, making it accessible to educators statewide, supporting both professional growth and equitable student outcomes,” Karlin added.
With the recent passage of California Assembly Bill 2876, the California Instructional Quality Commission and State Board of Education will consider integrating AI literacy into future curricular frameworks for all public PK-12 students. However, many educators currently lack access to high-quality professional development in this rapidly evolving field. The CSUDH initiative seeks to address this gap, prioritizing our local Los Angeles and South Bay educators, who have been historically underserved in this area.
The online certificate program offers a three-course, six-credit curriculum covering:
- Fundamentals of AI and generative AI, including technical underpinnings and classroom applications
- Ethical considerations such as algorithmic bias, misinformation, and student privacy
- Practical lesson and unit plan development for direct classroom implementation
The program is designed to be flexible and inclusive, with rolling cohorts beginning each semester and an accelerated summer option. Teachers can earn graduate-level extension units that contribute to their salary advancement while receiving ongoing support from an online alumni community.
Program Impact & Reach:
- CSUDH aims to serve 150+ pre-service and in-service educators annually through rolling and accelerated cohorts
- Over 100 teachers are already on a waitlist, demonstrating strong demand
- The first pilot cohort launched in Fall 2025 with 20 teachers
CSUDH’s approach emphasizes research-based professional development, personalization, critical perspectives, and classroom relevance, setting it apart from other emerging AI programs in California and nationwide. The program is particularly focused on historically underserved teachers, ensuring equitable access to transformative educational tools.
The grant will fund:
- 120 scholarships for California preservice and in-service teachers
- Faculty and staff support for program delivery and course development
- Ongoing evaluation and alumni support
“This partnership with Google.org strengthens our commitment to equity and access in public education,” said Jessica Pandya, Dean of the College of Education. “With their generous support, we can empower teachers with the skills, confidence, and ethical grounding needed to integrate AI in ways that truly benefit students.
“We are proud to lead this work for California, to ensure that students in every classroom, regardless of zip code, have access to high-quality, future-ready instructio.”
Learn more about Google’s new AI Quest.
For more information about the PK-12 AI Integration Certificate or to apply, visit csudh.edu/ccpe/pk12-ai.
