Office of Elementary and Secondary Education AI policy
In short
OESE has no AI guidance of its own. Its competitions, such as EIR Mid-Phase Grants, require applicants to follow the Department of Education's Common Instructions, which allow AI in developing application materials. You must still certify that the whole application is true, complete, and accurate, whether or not AI generated it.
These rules come from U.S. Department of Education, which sets policy for Office of Elementary and Secondary Education applicants.
For applicants
- OESE funding notices such as the EIR Mid-Phase Grants notice require applicants to follow the Department of Education's Common Instructions for discretionary grants.[2]
- Using AI (including generative AI and large language models) to develop grant application materials is allowed.[1]
- You certify that the whole application is true, complete, and accurate, including any content AI generated. There is no separate AI disclosure requirement.[1]
Sources
- [1]Common Instructions and Information for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs (90 FR 42234)
U.S. Department of Education, August 29, 2025
“The Department recognizes the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) systems (including machine learning, generative artificial intelligence, and large language models) and generated content to support the mission of promoting student achievement and ensuring equal access. The use of AI in the development of grant application materials is allowable.”
“Applicants submitting a grant application must certify on the standard application form to the ``true, complete, and accurate'' nature of all the contents of their grant application, regardless of whether it is generated by AI.”
- [2]Applications for New Awards; Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program Mid-Phase Grants (OESE)
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, September 12, 2025
“Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234)”
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.