The EDSAFE AI Alliance, an initiative of the US education non-profit InnovateEDU, is accepting applications for its 2027 EDSAFE AI Fellowships. It’s a free, 12-month, part-time leadership programme for people working on the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence in education. Fellows learn through virtual workshops with AI and education experts, join a cohort of 30+ peers, and finish with a small capstone project in their own context.
Two of the three tracks are open to applicants worldwide, including Africa. The deadline is 30 November 2026 at 10pm US Eastern Time, which is 4am on 1 December in Lagos and 6am in Nairobi.
At a Glance
| Organiser | EDSAFE AI Alliance (InnovateEDU) |
| Tracks | Catalyst Fellowship · Women in AI Fellowship · Vanguard Fellowship |
| Duration | 12 months from January 2027, about 2–4 hours a month |
| Format | Virtual workshops, with optional in-person meet-ups |
| Cost | Free (fully funded, no participation cost) |
| Pay | None: there’s no honorarium |
| Deadline | 30 November 2026, 10pm EST |
The Three Fellowship Tracks
1. Catalyst Fellowship (open worldwide)
For education leaders across practice and industry: administrators, teachers, researchers and policymakers who want to explore how AI can improve learning safely.
2. Women in AI Fellowship (open worldwide)
For women technologists working in AI development, data science or related fields, and for women education leaders interested in AI in learning.
3. Vanguard Fellowship (US applicants preferred)
For people currently working in K-12 (primary and secondary) education, such as teachers, school or district administrators and IT staff, or in regional and state education agencies. EDSAFE says preference goes to US-based applicants, so African applicants are better suited to the Catalyst or Women in AI tracks.
Benefits
- Expert-led learning: interactive virtual workshops with leading experts in AI and education, built around EDSAFE’s SAFE framework (safe, accountable, fair and efficacious)
- A cohort and mentors: learn with 30+ peers, with mentoring from past EDSAFE Fellows
- A capstone project that you design and put into practice in your own context
- A global network and a voice in the conversation about responsible AI in education
- Optional in-person meet-ups at least once during the year
- No cost to take part. It’s part-time, so you can keep your current job.
Eligibility
- A genuine interest in the ethical, safe and fair use of AI in education.
- You identify with one of the tracks above: an education leader (Catalyst), a woman technologist or education leader (Women in AI), or a K-12 professional (Vanguard, US preferred).
- Able to commit about 2–4 hours a month for 12 months, starting January 2027.
- Self-nominations are welcome.
EDSAFE describes the fellowships as aimed at connecting and empowering underrepresented thought leaders in AI in education. Selection is competitive and looks at your commitment to ethical AI, your leadership potential, the diversity of your experience and the quality of your application.
How to Apply
- Choose your track. Each track has its own application form, so make sure you use the right one.
- Open EDSAFE’s official fellowship page (link below) and click the application link for your track.
- Complete the form, showing your work in education or AI and your ideas for a capstone project.
- Submit by 30 November 2026, 10pm EST. Late applications aren’t accepted.
Successful applicants are told in late December, and fellows are announced in January 2027.
Official EDSAFE AI Fellowships page (applications and FAQ)
Tips for African Applicants
- Pick Catalyst or Women in AI. Both are open worldwide, while Vanguard prefers US applicants.
- Use local examples. Describe how AI is (or could be) used in schools, universities or EdTech in your country, and the risks you’d want to manage.
- Plan your capstone. A small, practical idea, such as an AI-use policy for your school or a teacher training session, makes your application stronger.
- Mind the time zone. The 10pm EST deadline is early morning on 1 December in Africa, so submit on 30 November to be safe.
