Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education AI policy
Varies by programChecked November 9, 2026
In short
Rules depend on the program. For the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, applicants may use AI for brainstorming and outlining but not as a ghostwriter, and AI use must be disclosed and cited. For the U.S. Senate Youth Program scholarship, applicants must affirm they did not use AI to write their essays.
For applicants
- For the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, applicants may use AI as a thought partner for brainstorming and outlining, but not as a ghostwriter or a replacement for human authorship. Copying and pasting from AI tools is strongly discouraged, and AI use must be clearly disclosed and cited.[1]
- For the U.S. Senate Youth Program scholarship, applicants must affirm that no AI content is in their essays and that they did not use AI to write them.[2]
Sources
- [1]Massachusetts 21st Century Community Learning Centers ...
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
“Applicants may use Artificial Intelligence AI as a supportive thought partner for brainstorming and outlining their application, provided it does not serve as a ghostwriter or a replacement for original human authorship. Direct copying and pasting from generative Artificial Intelligence AI tools is strongly discouraged.”
“To maintain academic integrity, use of Artificial Intelligence AI must be clearly disclosed and properly cited, reflecting a commitment to transparency and active human oversight.”
- [2]2026-2027 Statement Confirming Truth and Accuracy
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
“I affirm that all work not cited to its original author/creator is entirely my own original effort, free from plagiarism, and no AI content is in the essays. I have not used AI in the writing of my essays or received unauthorized assistance not otherwise permitted as an approved reasonable accommodation for a disability.”
This page summarizes published guidance and is not legal advice. Policies change, and a specific solicitation can add its own rules, so confirm against the funding announcement before you apply. See every funder's AI policy.