Manson School District has been selected as one of only 10 school districts statewide to participate in Microsoft Elevate Washington, a new, multi-year initiative designed to prepare Washington students and educators for success in an AI-driven future.
Launched in October 2025, Microsoft Elevate Washington represents Microsoft’s commitment to its home state, investing in students, educators, and communities to ensure Washington remains a national leader in innovation, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity. Through this initiative, Microsoft will provide professional development, training, technology resources, and technical support to schools, colleges, and nonprofits across the state.
As part of the School District Grant Program and Community of Practice, Manson School District will receive $75,000 in grant funding, along with an additional $25,000 in Microsoft-funded technology consulting delivered by a Microsoft-certified partner. The district will also participate in a statewide community of practice that brings together peer districts to collaboratively explore, design, and implement innovative uses of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.
Over an 18-month grant period (January 2026–June 2027), Manson School District will assemble a cross-functional team of district leaders and educators to plan and implement an AI-focused teaching and learning project. The first six months will focus on planning and capacity building, followed by full implementation during the 2026–27 school year. Projects may include AI-supported lesson planning, personalized learning strategies, AI literacy and ethics instruction, or student-centered applications that prepare learners for future careers.
Through participation in the community of practice, district staff will:
· Receive professional learning and individualized coaching on effective and responsible AI integration
· Collaborate with peer districts, experts, and national exemplars
· Access guidance on digital safety, policy alignment, and classroom applications
· Capture and share lessons learned to support statewide scaling of successful practices
Manson School District teams will attend workshops hosted at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, virtual learning sessions throughout the grant period, and a culminating workshop at the Gates Foundation in Seattle, where districts will present outcomes and insights from their projects.
Microsoft Elevate Washington is guided by four core goals: leading the nation in AI-driven school innovation, empowering educators with AI tools, preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, and strengthening Washington’s economic future by developing homegrown talent.
By participating in this initiative, Manson School District is taking an important step toward modernizing teaching and learning, supporting educators, and ensuring students graduate with the skills, confidence, and critical thinking needed to thrive in an AI-powered world.
About Microsoft Elevate Washington
Microsoft Elevate Washington is a statewide initiative focused on expanding access to AI training, tools, and support for educators, students, and communities. Over two years, the initiative will help schools and partners harness artificial intelligence to improve educational outcomes and workforce readiness across Washington.