Massachusetts Digital Life Grant: How Schools Can Fund Online Safety and AI Literacy Lessons

Key Takeaways

• Massachusetts will award 25 to 30 grants of up to $60,000 to help public schools teach online safety, AI literacy, and digital wellness.
• Applications are due Monday, November 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
• #WinAtSocial covers all five activities the grant funds and can launch this school year.

On October 14, 2026, Gov. Maura Healey announced $1.75 million to help Massachusetts schools teach students about online safety, cyberbullying, data privacy, and how to spot false and AI-generated content.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) runs the program as the FY2027 Safe, Healthy, and Responsible Digital Life Grant (Fund Code 0177).

Students can now find AI tools that create deepfake content in a few clicks. According to Thorn, 1 in 8 young people ages 13 to 20 personally know someone who was targeted with explicit deepfake imagery as a minor. Among young people who’ve created inappropriate deepfakes, 71% found the technology on social media and 53% found it through a search engine.

Stopping the spread of deepfakes starts in the classroom. Massachusetts wants schools to implement lasting AI and media literacy programs that equip students with strong critical thinking and positive decision-making skills. “We want students to have the confidence to question what they see online, recognize when something isn’t right and make choices that are good for their health and well-being,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said in the state’s announcement.

According to the grant’s request for proposals, projects “centered solely on planning, purchasing materials, resource development, or one-time assemblies will not be prioritized for funding.” Funded projects also need to start upon approval and wrap by June 30, 2027.

The strongest applications will use a ready-to-launch, year-long program that supports students, educators, and families. That’s what #WinAtSocial delivers.

The Social Institute’s positive approach, #WinAtSocial, equips entire school communities to navigate social media, AI, and technology in positive ways. Lessons, composed of discussion-based Huddles, are co-created with students and run in as little as 5 to 15 minutes, so they fit into any schedule while keeping 100% of students engaged.

Here’s what that means for Massachusetts schools:

• One program covers all five funded activities: Digital wellness, AI and media literacy, privacy and online safety, responsible communication, and educator and family support, all in one place, so your team doesn’t have to piece together separate resources.
• You can launch this school year: Turnkey lessons need no teacher prep, so students start learning on approval, and your school shows results before June 30, 2027.
• Students build skills that last: Huddles are updated regularly to be timely and can be run at any time of year all year, giving you the sustained instruction DESE prioritizes over one-time assemblies.
• Your whole community is supported: Students learn through peer-to-peer discussions, educators gain confidence to navigate AI tools through professional development, and families get resources to keep the conversation going at home.
• Grant reporting gets easier: #WinAtSocial Insights and board-ready reports document lesson completion and community impact for DESE.
• It aligns with Massachusetts priorities: #WinAtSocial supports the Vision of a Massachusetts Graduate, DESE’s Guidance on Generative AI in Schools, and 180+ state requirements.

Preview a #WinAtSocial Lesson that meets grant requirements: AI-generated content and how to verify it.

Preview the Lesson

You’ll apply in GEM$, the state’s online grant system. Follow these six steps:

1. Confirm eligibility: Public schools, public charter schools, and educational collaboratives in Massachusetts qualify. To receive funds, your organization must also certify compliance with the MBTA Communities Act (G.L. c. 40A, § 3A).
2. Set up GEM$ roles: Your organization needs three roles in GEM$ before the deadline: a grant writer for Fund Code 0177, a fiscal representative, and your superintendent or chief executive. Organizations not yet set up in GEM$ must first send DESE the Temp Organization Access Request at least 5 business days before the deadline (by Monday, November 2). DESE creates your access before you can assign roles.
3. Ask questions by October 23: Email DESE at Alva.Laster@mass.gov or Beth.Williams-Breault@mass.gov. DESE posts answers October 28.
4. Write your plan: Use DESE’s Application Planning Template in GEM$. Show how your program covers the five funded activities. Find required forms on the GEM$ homepage under DESE Resources; no login needed.
5. Build your budget: Request up to $60,000. Include $25,000 for a DESE-approved vendor, and plan all spending through June 30, 2027.
6. Get three sign-offs by November 9 at 5:00 p.m. ET: Your grant writer submits, your fiscal representative approves, and your superintendent or chief executive (or their designee) gives final approval. DESE counts your application as submitted only after that final step and can’t accept applications after the deadline.

Find the full RFP and forms on DESE’s Fund Code 0177 page.

Fund #WinAtSocial with your grant

The Massachusetts Digital Life Grant gives your school the funding. #WinAtSocial gives you a ready-to-launch program that covers all five funded activities this school year. Our team can show you how it fits your application before the November 9 deadline.

Request a Demo Today

FAQ about the Massachusetts Digital Life Grant

Can grant funds pay for #WinAtSocial?

Yes. According to the grant’s request for proposals, funds can support “high-quality curriculum and other instructional materials” and educator professional development. #WinAtSocial provides both.

Who is eligible?

All Massachusetts public schools, public charter schools, and educational collaboratives. Schools in the Accelerating Achievement initiative receive competitive priority.

When is the application due?

Monday, November 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Questions for DESE are due Friday, October 23.

Do schools need a new class period?

No. #WinAtSocial Huddles run in as little as 5 to 15 minutes, so they fit into advisory, health, ELA, social studies, or any existing class.