LYNWOOD, CA – Lynwood Unified School District has been named one of 12 school districts in the nation to receive the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) K–12 Student Agency Award, a national recognition honoring districts leading thoughtful, ethical and student-centered approaches to AI in education.

The award was presented at the Student and Community Voice AI Summit, held in March in Anaheim, where educators, students and school leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the future of AI in schools.

“This inaugural, nationwide recognition further highlights how Lynwood Unified is forward thinking, especially in the use of advanced technologies,” Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., said. “We are preparing students early and responsibly so they are not left behind as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into college, careers and everyday life.”

The national recognition places Lynwood Unified among a small group of national leaders helping shape how AI can be used responsibly and effectively in education. The national recognition highlights the District’s Al Collaborative, which aligns with the District’s Vision 2030 initiative, and its commitment to preparing students for the future workforce and a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

As part of this effort, the District expanded professional development for teachers, launched AI pilot classrooms, created a middle school AI after-school program and provided staff with access to AI tools to support instruction and operations.

In classrooms, students use AI to support research, writing, problem solving and critical thinking while also learning about ethics, bias and responsible use. The goal is to ensure students are not only proficient technology users, but also thinkers, creators and responsible decision makers.

“Our AI initiatives reflect the vision and dedication of our educators, staff and students who are working together to ensure AI is used in ways that expand opportunity, strengthen learning and prepare our students for the future,” Gittisriboongul said. “Through Vision 2030, we are focused on making sure our students are not only prepared to use new technologies but are prepared to think critically, innovate responsibly and adapt in a rapidly changing AI landscape.”

Lynwood Unified’s approach to AI is focused on student voice and real-world problem solving. Students identify civic or community challenges that matter to them and use AI as a tool to research issues, develop ideas and create potential solutions. The program emphasizes that AI should support student thinking rather than replace it, maintaining creativity, inquiry and analysis at the center of learning.

“Lynwood Unified continues to focus on preparing students for careers that may not yet exist, technologies that are still emerging and challenges that will require creativity, collaboration and critical thinking,” Gittisriboongul said. “Artificial intelligence literacy will be an essential skill for students’ future success, and we are committed to ensuring Lynwood students are prepared to thrive in an AI-driven world.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

AIAWARD1: Lynwood Unified School District has been named one of 12 school districts in the nation to receive the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) K–12 Student Agency Award, a national recognition honoring districts leading thoughtful, ethical and student-centered approaches to AI in education.

AIAWARD2: Lynwood Unified’s approach to AI is focused on student voice and real-world problem solving, such as students identifying civic or community challenges that matter to them and using AI as a tool to research issues, develop ideas and create potential solutions.