Penn GSE’s Betty Chandy leads a discussion on the role of AI in the classroom during the PASS program, a donor-supported initiative that collaborates with the School District of Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy of Tom Stanley)

As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life, Philadelphia classrooms are beginning to adapt in real time. But for many educators, the challenge isn’t just access to new technology—it’s understanding how to use it responsibly, equitably, and in ways that truly support student learning.

That’s where Penn GSE’s Pioneering AI in School Systems (PASS) program comes in. Developed in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, PASS goes beyond traditional teacher training by taking a system-wide approach: first, working with district leadership to align on strategy, then with school leaders to support implementation, and finally with teachers to bring AI into the classroom in meaningful ways. The goal is to build lasting capacity across the entire school system, not just individual classrooms.

“Every student should have the opportunity to develop essential skills to engage with today’s society and shape tomorrow’s world,” says Katharine O. Strunk, Dean of the Graduate School of Education. “Our goal is to leverage AI to foster creativity and critical thinking among students and develop policies to ensure this technology is used effectively and responsibly.”

Educators work together in a PASS program classroom (photo courtesy of Tom Stanley)

Through hands-on workshops and collaborative planning, teachers are exploring how AI can provide additional learning support for students and help close gaps in access to resources.

“The digital divide is real in Philadelphia,” says Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. Ed.D. “Partnering on the PASS program will help advance academic achievement for our students by equipping our [schools] with tools needed to make sure our students graduate college or are career-ready.”

And the impact is already extending beyond the city. With support from the Marrazzo Family Foundation, PASS launched its pilot in the School District of Philadelphia in 2025 and Penn GSE is preparing to build on that momentum with additional support from the family to expand its work in Philadelphia this summer. Thanks to a $1 million investment from Google.org, the program is also expanding to additional districts across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey—bringing lessons learned in Philadelphia to a broader regional audience.

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