STUDENTSFOR AILITERACY
AI literacy, taught by students — for students. We train high school students to lead free, hands-on AI workshops in schools, libraries, and community organizations.
Our Mission
Students For AI Literacy (SAIL) is a student-led nonprofit working to make artificial intelligence understandable, accessible, and responsible for every young person — through a near-peer model where high school students teach the students right behind them.
The challenge
Schools are banning AI faster than they can teach it
Artificial intelligence already influences how students learn, communicate, and prepare for future careers. Education systems have struggled to keep up, and many have responded by strictly banning AI use in the classroom.
But using these tools well will be necessary in the future job market, and a ban teaches nothing about how to use them ethically or safely. Students end up using AI anyway — just without any guidance on verifying what it tells them.
72%
of students say guidance on how to use generative AI responsibly would be helpful.
Center for Democracy & Technology, September 2023
79%
of teachers say their district does not have clear policies on AI in education.
EdWeek, February 2024
What we teach
Our Three Pillars
Students learn not only how to use AI, but how to question it, verify it, and make responsible decisions with it.
Accessible technology
We explain artificial intelligence in clear, age-appropriate language and give students the chance to explore it through practical, hands-on activities — regardless of any previous technical experience. Workshops replace passive lectures with demonstrations, discussions, collaborative challenges, and guided experimentation.
Digital ethics
Students examine misinformation, algorithmic bias, hallucinations, privacy, and academic integrity. We spend real time on how to independently verify what a model tells you — because a system that is confident and wrong is more dangerous than one that is obviously broken.
Student mentorship
High school leaders serve as relatable role models, helping younger students build confidence while developing their own leadership, communication, and teaching skills. Because students learn from mentors close to their own age, complex technology becomes approachable rather than intimidating.
Our Beginnings
Walnut Hills High School
Cincinnati, Ohio
SAIL started with a $400 seed contribution and a single classroom session. We incorporated as an Ohio nonprofit in June 2026 and are a federally recognized 501(c)(3).
What began as one chapter is now a network of student leaders across four Ohio high schools, running free workshops for the students in their own communities.
Get involved
Help Us Expand AI Literacy
Schools, libraries & community organizations
Host a free SAIL workshop, bring our curriculum to your students, or partner with us on ongoing AI literacy programming. Our sessions are free and run by trained student leaders.
Request a workshop→High school students
Launch a chapter at your school, or join our marketing or finance team. Every role is student-run, and none of them require prior experience — just follow-through.
See open roles→Sponsors & community partners
Sponsor a chapter, donate workshop materials, or partner with us on programming. Roughly $400 covers a new chapter's first year — every session it runs, for every student it reaches.
See how to help→Ready to start?
Bring AI literacy to your school.