$1 million grant will support district task forces in creating balanced approaches to technology use that center student wellbeing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (APRIL 22, 2025) – ISTE+ASCD today announced a $1 million grant from Pinterest to support school leaders in creating a healthy digital culture in their schools. The initiative responds to the urgent need to teach digital citizenship amidst predominantly “device management” approaches that prioritize limiting student student tech access over teaching healthy tech use. While 98% of educators say teaching digital citizenship should be a priority in their school, only 36% say it is actually being prioritized, according to data from ISTE+ASCD. 

Through this partnership, ISTE+ASCD will form digital wellbeing task forces for a cohort of school districts – bringing together teachers, school leaders, and experts in youth mental health and digital citizenship. These task forces will support districts in creating the right conditions for students to practice becoming upstanding members of their digital communities. Along with other partners, ISTE+ASCD will provide guidance and support as each district explores models, shares perspectives, and develops strategies to improve students’ digital wellbeing.

In addition to supporting the district task forces, ISTE+ASCD will release a new online course which will be available to educators everywhere sharing the effective strategies for building healthy digital cultures at school as well as a new video series focused on teaching digital citizenship.

“If we’re going to prepare young people to become learners and leaders in a digital world we have to do more than teach them how to put their phones in a pouch,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD. “Becoming a healthy digital citizen isn’t just about managing device access, but teaching digital habits that spark curiosity, create community, and solve problems. This partnership with Pinterest will help school leaders create the conditions that support student wellbeing, focus, and meaningful learning.”

The initiative will model this holistic approach to digital citizenship in 12 districts including New York City Public Schools, Buffalo Public Schools (NY), Pocantico Hills Central School District (NY), Rockford Public Schools 205 (IL), and Rowland Unified School District (CA). The initiative is expected to reach more than 10,000 educators and 250,000 students across the participating districts and many more educators through participation in the online course.

“At Pinterest, we believe that schools can take advantage of all that technology has to offer students, while minimizing the harms and distractions,” said Wanji Walcott, Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer, Pinterest. “Tech companies need to work together with teachers, parents, and policymakers to build solutions that ensure in the hands of our students, smartphones are tools, not distractions. Only then can we effectively empower young people to become responsible digital citizens.”

In 2023, ISTE and ASCD merged to create a unified organization dedicated to ensuring every student has an amazing learning experience every day. Today, ISTE+ASCD is the largest innovation-focused education non-profit worldwide, serving over a million educators in every US state and over 100 countries around the world. ISTE+ASCD offers inspiring events, professional certifications, dynamic member communities, and innovative thought leadership to help educators create transformational learning experiences.