$50,000 NSF planning award brings higher ed and K-12 educators together
to address barriers to classroom technology
UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is partnering with educators from the
Whitesboro Central School District on a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project
aimed at improving access to artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science education for high
school students.
The SUNY Poly-led team received a $50,000 NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY Planning Grant for the
project, “Co-Designing a Scalable Hosted Learning Platform for Secondary AI and Computer
Science Education.” The team is part of the program’s inaugural cohort of 50 interdisciplinary
teams nationwide.
This project is led by SUNY Poly Lecturer in Computer Science Derek Taylor and Director of Pre-
Collegiate Outreach John Reade. They are working alongside Whitesboro High School educators
Michael Eramo and Sean Ryan, both New York State Master Teacher Emeriti. Eramo brings 14
years of classroom experience in physics and computer science, while Ryan brings 28 years of
experience in education, including the past nine years as Science Department Chairperson.
Ryan also brings the valuable perspective of a parent of students in the district, further
strengthening the team’s partnership.
“This partnership is a great example of what can happen when higher education and K-12
educators work together around a shared challenge,” said Reade. “By combining the firsthand
experience of teachers with workforce development, we have an opportunity to develop an
approach that is practical for educators, engaging for students, and potentially scalable to other
school districts.”
Many secondary schools want to expand AI and computer science education but face barriers
including limited technical support, restrictive IT environments, fragmented instructional tools,
and difficulty providing students with reliable computing workspaces.
The project will explore a hosted learning environment that could provide students with stable
computing workspaces and curriculum-aligned AI and computer science activities while giving
teachers the tools and support needed to use them effectively.
“The Whitesboro Central School District is thrilled that two of its educators have been selected
as key members of a statewide grant initiative focused on advancing artificial intelligence
literacy and responsible AI use in high schools,” said David Russo, Whitesboro Central School
District Superintendent of Schools. “This project will enhance student engagement with New
York State computer science and digital fluency standards, ensuring meaningful and impactful
learning experiences for students across the state. Whitesboro educators are contributing to
this significant effort to prepare students statewide for the demands of an AI driven future.”
During the planning phase, the team will gather input from students, educators, parents and
guardians, school stakeholders, and technical contributors. That feedback will inform platform
requirements, student and teacher interface wireframes, and an analysis of technical and
instructional feasibility. If the planning work demonstrates that the proposed model is viable, it
will position the team to compete for a future NSF Development award focused on building,
refining, and piloting the platform.
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About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N.Y., is a vibrant and inclusive community where
students, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education and
dynamic campus experience. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60th
anniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and
beyond. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters innovation and
interdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and
Health Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research and
transformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, and
humanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities. For
more info, visit http://www.sunypoly.edu.
