ABERDEEN, S.D. – Central High School students Carter Board and Mitchell Golz and Aberdeen Public School District Technology Director Josh Jensen have been selected for the 2026 Leadership and Innovation Fellowship.
The fellowship is a new national professional learning opportunity designed to support school leaders and K-12 students as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in public education, according to a news release from AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
The fellowship brings together 50 educational leaders and 100 students from across the country for an immersive experience focused on ethical AI use, systems-level leadership, policy, and the future of AI teaching and learning. Every state will be represented by an educational leader and two high school “student senators” who will debate different aspects of AI.
Board, Golz and Jensen will represent South Dakota at this three-day leadership residency, which will take place July 17-19 in Boston, Mass., alongside the America’s Youth AI Festival, during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
“AI is changing education, and it’s essential that leaders and students help shape what comes next, together,” said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, in the news release. “This Fellowship creates the space to engage thoughtfully with emerging technologies while staying grounded in learning, ethics, and community.”
During the residency, participants will:
Engage directly with researchers from MIT RAISE to examine how AI is being applied in innovative school systems.
Participate in policy-focused sessions at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston, Massachusetts to explore the connection between classroom innovation and national decision-making. The Edward M. Kennedy Institute includes an exact replica of the U.S. Senate chamber.
Elevate the student voice with two high school “Student Senators” from every state who will take part in a legislative simulation at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, with the goal of creating a comprehensive National AI Policy for K-12 students that will outline principles for the responsible, productive and ethical use of AI in public schools.
All travel, lodging and meals for participating leaders and student delegates are fully covered, and the National AI Policy will be shared with AASA’s 10,000+ members, following the event. Additional details, including participation information, will be released in the coming months.
About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill. A professional community of more than 10,000 educational leaders, AASA and its members are committed to providing high-quality public education to all students. For more information, visit aasa.org.
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.