At the 2026 Microsoft Digital Sovereignty Summit in Brussels, leaders from policy, IT, and industry gathered to discuss how to balance sovereignty and innovation. A clear theme emerged: digital sovereignty has become a continuous risk management discipline, one that strengthens resilience, security, and innovation.

Five key insights surfaced, outlining what digital sovereignty looks like in practice for education institutions.

1. Digital sovereignty is about operating confidently in uncertainty

Leaders at the summit grounded digital sovereignty in practical terms, reframing it as a risk management discipline rather than an abstract policy concept. For education leaders navigating data privacy compliance, research data requirements, and enabling cross-institution collaboration, this means the goal is to understand risk clearly and apply the right level of control.

A key insight was that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every workload, whether a student information system, a research platform, or an administrative application, carries a unique risk profile and compliance obligation. Sovereignty decisions must be made deliberately, workload-by-workload, enabling institutions to make clearer, more confident decisions in changing conditions. Education leaders should assess risk across student systems, research platforms, and administrative solutions individually rather than applying a single institutional policy to all workloads.

2. Sovereignty and innovation should reinforce each other

A clear consensus emerged at the summit: Institutions do not need to choose between innovation and sovereignty. When grounded in strong security and governance, sovereignty creates the conditions for innovation to thrive. With that foundation in place, education leaders can pursue AI-driven capabilities like adaptive learning, personalized student support, and accelerated research while safeguarding sensitive data in a secure, compliant environment. That requires bringing AI strategy, cloud strategy, and governance into one planning process so institutions can drive innovation while maintaining full control over their data and infrastructure.

Sovereignty is not a single architecture decision. It’s about applying the right controls to each workload without compromising continuity, flexibility, and innovation. Across cloud and hybrid environments, the right controls help institutions protect sensitive data, meet compliance requirements, and improve resilience. Microsoft Sovereign Cloud supports this approach by combining sovereignty capabilities with integrated security to help institutions maintain control while continuing to innovate.

3. Modern cybersecurity requires collaboration, scale, and trust

Sovereignty without cybersecurity is a non-starter, and speakers addressed that reality directly. For education leaders managing sensitive student records, research data, and critical administrative systems, cyber threats continue to evolve, making visibility and coordination essential. Cybersecurity is now a continuous operational priority, not a periodic compliance exercise.

Importantly, discussions challenged a common misconception: that isolation alone equals security. Disconnecting systems or building digital walls can create blind spots by limiting access to global threat intelligence, coordinated response, and real-time threat detection. Strong cybersecurity safeguards do more than reduce risk; they are the foundation for sovereignty and digital transformation. Education leaders should evaluate not just whether systems meet requirements under normal conditions, but whether they deliver the continuous visibility, resilience, and threat defense needed to maintain real control over their environments.

4. Digital sovereignty in the era of AI goes beyond data residency

Summit discussions also reinforced that AI operating under sovereign requirements must be built on responsible data processing and transparent control. This goes beyond where data is stored, requiring clear boundaries around how data is processed, how AI models are trained and operated, and full visibility into how these systems behave across their lifecycle. Leaders emphasized that institutions need AI systems that not only meet today’s regulatory and security obligations but remain trustworthy, auditable, and resilient as requirements evolve. In practice, that means asking not just where data is stored, but where prompts and responses are processed, who can access them, and how controls are applied.

For institutions, sovereignty must be designed end-to-end, including infrastructure, platforms, security, data governance, and AI workloads. To support this, Microsoft is building new capabilities across the stack to support sovereign requirements at scale. For education leaders, these capabilities provide verifiable control over how data is processed and how AI is deployed across learning, research, and operations.

5. Making digital sovereignty work requires collaboration

The final takeaway reinforced a theme that ran through every discussion: digital sovereignty succeeds through collaboration, not isolation. It depends on institutions, governments, and technology providers working together to translate policy into operational reality. Rather than isolating systems, institutions that combine local expertise with trusted cloud and AI infrastructure can maintain control, meet regulatory requirements, and drive innovation simultaneously.

For education institutions, that shared approach makes sovereignty more scalable and practical across teaching, research, and operations. Just as importantly, collaboration helps institutions meet local requirements and maintain the interoperability needed to connect systems, services, and teams. In practice, that means applying the right level of control where sensitivity requires it, not isolating systems in ways that increase risk or operational burden.

A practical approach to digital sovereignty

A strong sovereignty posture gives institutions choice, visibility, and control across diverse environments. The goal is to align capabilities with institutional responsibilities, regulatory requirements, and the sensitivity of each workload, applying the right controls to each rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. For education leaders, that means strong encryption, transparency, and clear access controls in public cloud, with hybrid and sovereign solutions available where greater control is required.  

A risk management discipline that strengthens innovation

Microsoft’s expanded sovereign cloud continuum enables critical workloads to run across diverse environments while still benefiting from innovation, advanced security, operational transparency, and features like the EU Data Boundary and long-standing encryption and access safeguards.

Digital sovereignty is now an institution-wide discipline rooted in risk management. With trusted digital systems, institutions can make deliberate, workload-specific decisions across learning, research, and operations while balancing security, compliance, resilience, and innovation.

Learn more about Microsoft’s approach to sovereignty, security, and innovation

• Microsoft Sovereign Cloud in Europe: Read the whitepaper to learn how Microsoft is approaching sovereignty, security, compliance, and resilience in Europe.
  
• The Future of Learning Starts with Trust: Download this e-book to see how K-12 leaders can adopt trustworthy AI with confidence.
  

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This year’s theme—AI Aware: Safe, Smart, In Control—recognizes how deeply AI now influences students’ daily digital lives. From learning platforms, creative tools, and online interactions, AI is embedded across the digital ecosystem. With these opportunities come new expectations for digital literacy and critical thinking.

Being AI‑aware means helping learners:

• Assess content shaped by AI
• Recognize manipulative interactions or misinformation
• Protect personal data and digital identities
• Navigate online spaces with confidence, curiosity, and discernment

Safer Internet Day encourages institutions to integrate these competencies into digital citizenship instruction so students can engage with emerging AI technologies safely and responsibly.

The toolkit includes:

• Education aligned security frameworks based on Zero Trust principles
• AI‑powered tools and implementation guidance for small and large teams
• Data governance guidance for AI, learning analytics, and research environments
• Resources for student‑run Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and cybersecurity skilling
• Real campus case studies that demonstrate the impact security tools have made at institutions globally

The toolkit reframes campus cybersecurity—not as a barrier to innovation, but as a sustainable foundation that enables safe AI adoption, global collaboration, and resilient digital learning ecosystems.

Why AI safety and cybersecurity matter in education

Cybersecurity and digital safety are no longer “technical concerns”—they are essential to the mission of teaching and learning. Schools manage a wide range of sensitive information, including:

• Student records
• Learning analytics and accessibility data
• Financial aid information
• Digital credentials
• Federally funded research outputs
• Intellectual property

Campuses are intentionally open environments designed for collaboration, inquiry, and innovation. Devices change hands, systems span cloud and on-premises infrastructure, and users move fluidly across networks. That openness fuels learning—but also increases risk.

A single cybersecurity incident can disrupt instruction, halt essential services, delay research, and erode trust among students, families, faculty, and partners.

Strong security does not restrict innovation; it enables it. A secure foundation allows institutions to adopt AI, expand access, and accelerate digital transformation with confidence.

Building digital citizenship with Minecraft Education’s CyberSafe series

Digital citizenship begins long before college or career. Young learners need accessible ways to practice and internalize online safety skills without fear. Minecraft Education offers a K–12 curriculum program to help educators introduce online safety, digital awareness, and cybersecurity through immersive, age-appropriate learning experiences. The content was developed with experts across Microsoft, including Minecraft Player Safety, Xbox Trust and Safety, and the Microsoft Digital Safety Unit, and aligns to Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) and Cyber.org standards.

In the CyberSafe series for ages 8 to 14, students build critical thinking skills and learn positive online behavior as they explore digital risks in a safe, supported environment. The newest addition to the CyberSafe series, Bad Connection?, offers a trusted way to support digital citizenship and AI-aware learning through play for students ages 11 to 14. By introducing concepts in engaging game scenarios inspired by real life—such as manipulative interactions, suspicious messages, and peer pressure—students have a safe rehearsal space to practice:

• Evaluating risks
• Identifying red flags
• Consider actions and consequences
• Seeking help and report concerns

The goal is to equip students with language, strategies, and confidence to safely navigate online spaces and use digital technologies responsibly. By turning safety concepts into interactive experiences, CyberSafe helps reduce stigma, normalize conversations about unsafe interactions, and strengthen protective online behaviors. Minecraft Education offers free resources for educators, families, and school leaders as well as online training for educators. Explore Minecraft Education’s CyberSafe and digital citizenship resources for more information.

Supporting Safer Internet Day in schools and communities

This Safer Internet Day, we’re highlighting how everyone—students, educators, and families—plays an important role in creating safer, more confident online experiences. By opening conversations about digital safety, we can help learners build strong, healthy habits that support their well‑being wherever they connect and collaborate.

A great place to start is by opening conversations about online safety across your entire school community—students, educators, staff, and families—supported by practical, ready‑to‑use resources from Microsoft Education.

• K–12 Cybersecurity Conversation Guide—offers simple, actionable tips and prompts to help students understand safe online behavior, strengthen digital habits, and build cyber hygiene together as a school community.
• K–12 Cybersecurity Infographic—uses real examples of phishing attempts, scam ads, and suspicious links to help students and caregivers quickly learn how to spot online threats and stay vigilant.

No matter your role, here’s what you can do next:

For educators and school leaders: Use these resources to guide classroom discussions, staff professional development (PD) sessions, and schoolwide digital‑citizenship initiatives.

For IT and safety teams: Share these materials during cybersecurity awareness campaigns, family‑engagement nights, or incident‑prevention training to strengthen your institution’s safety posture.

For families and caregivers: Incorporate these tools at home to help students build safer online habits and stay informed about emerging digital risks.

Safer Internet Day 2026 invites us all—students, educators, families, and institutions—to build a safer, more informed digital world. By strengthening AI literacy, practicing responsible online behavior, and adopting robust security practices across education, we can help ensure every learner navigates AI‑powered digital spaces with curiosity, confidence, and control.

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Empowering education systems, educators, and students to thrive in the AI-era.

Classrooms are places of possibility where curiosity meets knowledge, and potential becomes reality. At Microsoft, we’ve supported education systems, leaders, educators, and students for over 50 years, and remain dedicated to this mission as education is reimagined in the age of AI. Trustworthy AI, combined with practical skills for educators, can amplify teacher expertise making instruction more responsive, freeing time for human connection, and ensuring every learner can actively participate in the opportunities of this new era.

Today we’re excited to advance our offerings, bringing together secure, education-specific technology, supported by skill‑building programs to empower every school, educator, and student to thrive with confidence in an AI‑powered future. We’re announcing Microsoft Elevate for Educators, a program connecting educators with community, professional development, and AI tools to transform teaching. In addition, we’ve launched new AI-powered tools purpose-built for education, including Teach in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app to streamline lesson preparation. For educators that have Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft Learning Zone can provide rich, dynamic interactive experiences using on-device intelligence to engage students better.

The new Study and Learn Agent provides students with an AI-powered learning companion to understand concepts and practice skills. We’re also offering higher education students free 12-month access to Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career, supporting them from classroom learning to career readiness. These offerings are designed specifically for schools to help build capacity, develop essential skills, and create more engaging teaching and learning experiences.

Introducing Microsoft Elevate for Educators

The Microsoft Elevate for Educators program is part of the company’s broader Microsoft Elevate commitment to help schools and educators build skills, expand opportunities, and ensure everyone benefits from AI. Through Microsoft Elevate, Microsoft aims to help more than 20 million people gain in-demand AI skilling credentials in the next two years and advance AI education and workforce readiness globally.

The Microsoft Elevate for Educators program equips educators and school leaders with access to one of the world’s largest and most connected peer educator networks, offers free professional development resources and access to in-demand credentials to confidently integrate AI into the classroom. Microsoft Elevate for Educators is available today and includes:

• New global communities for K-12 educators and schools. Educators and schools worldwide face the challenge of integrating AI in ways that truly benefit every student. In response, Microsoft is launching significant updates to its global educator community to help educators strengthen skills, gain recognition, and collaborate globally on best practices in AI-powered teaching. The new Microsoft Elevate for Educators and Microsoft Elevate Schools communities build on our existing global community and now offer year-round membership, expanded training opportunities and resources, and a progressive achievement system for educators to advance as they learn. For the first time, school districts, systems, and ministries can gain special recognition for supporting educators’ professional growth and demonstrating measurable impact in classrooms and across education systems.
• Professional development for educators globally. Free professional development and associated credentials help educators earn recognition for demonstrated skills that can qualify for salary increases or career advancement. The AI Skills Navigator helps educators learn new skills through a suite of new self-paced courses, live sessions, and AI-powered simulations available in more than 13 languages. Also launching during Bett UK 2026, Microsoft is providing educators with a new AI in Special Education course to help enhance and customize student learning.
• Industry-recognized credentials for educators. Available at no cost, the new Microsoft Elevate for Educators Credential, developed in partnership with ISTE+ASCD and aligned to the AI Literacy Framework, helps educators gain confidence and expertise in integrating AI into their teaching and learning. Educators worldwide will also have access to study materials for other Microsoft certifications, including a new Microsoft certification in Instructional Technology which will be made available to educators in the coming months.

In higher education, we continue to partner with colleges and universities to integrate AI into classrooms, empower faculty, and equip students with future-ready skills. Through AI Skills Navigator, we support the entire campus ecosystem. Microsoft Learn for Educators and AI Bootcamps support faculty with ready-to-use Microsoft Official Courseware, making it easier to teach, learn, and apply AI responsibly. And our Microsoft Student Ambassadors program nurtures a vibrant student body and accelerates learning through skilling events, AI adoption, and credentials. Explore more with The Skills Hub Blog.

AI tools designed for education

AI can be a powerful complement to educator expertise. Many of our education tools are available at no cost for Microsoft 365 Education customers such as Teach and the Study and Learn Agent and can help educators save time, simplify planning, and engage students. Additionally, educators, staff, and students can advance their AI journey with a deeply integrated experience and the latest innovations through an academic offering of Microsoft 365 Copilot.

To provide leaders with guidance on responsible and effective AI adoption, we’re sharing a new IDC White Paper, sponsored by Microsoft, A Blueprint for AI-Ready Schools: Strategies from the Front Lines of K-12 Education.¹ It highlights lessons learned from early adopters, such as Brisbane Catholic Education in Australia, Broward County Schools in the United States, and Coquitlam School District in Canada, and outlines opportunities for integrating AI into schools.

Teach: Your AI assistant for instruction and more

Now available in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, Teach helps streamline class preparation with intuitive, customizable features including lesson plan creation, quiz, rubric development, and adapting materials to different reading levels. With Teach, you can quickly generate lesson plans aligned to relevant standards, modify content for diverse learners, and adjust difficulty levels with simple prompts. Available at no additional cost for education customers, Teach helps you save time and stay focused on your students’ success.

Microsoft Learning Zone: Bringing the power of Copilot+ PCs to education

Copilot+ PCs are Microsoft’s most advanced laptops yet, combining the power of next-generation hardware with on-device AI and deep Windows integration. Microsoft Learning Zone is an AI-powered Windows app designed to use on-device intelligence on Copilot+ PCs to deliver real educational value. With this new Copilot+ PC app, educators can quickly create, share, and track personalized and interactive learning activities right from their device, instantly boosting student engagement. Students can engage with these activities on any Windows 11 PC to receive immediate feedback and personalized coaching. Microsoft Learning Zone has earned the ISTE Seal of Alignment for learning design, usability, and research-backed teaching practices.

The app draws on trusted content partners, including NASA, OpenStax, PBS NewsHour, the Nobel Peace Center, World Wildlife Fund, Figma, and Minecraft Education—to support high-quality learning experiences. New content additions include the Nobel Peace Center lesson collection, which explores peace, justice, and human rights through stories of laureates such as Malala Yousafzai and Wangari Maathai, alongside companion activities in Minecraft Education.

Educators can share Learning Zone content anywhere through Microsoft Teams, with learning management system (LMS) integration expected later in 2026. It currently supports English and Spanish, with Portuguese, French, German, and additional languages planned for 2026.

Study and Learn Agent: Supporting student growth

The Study and Learn Agent, built on learning science principles, is designed to help students ages 13 and older engage more deeply with academic concepts to develop critical and reflective thinking skills. Students can work to understand concepts, practice with adaptive exercises, explore topics through guided study, or engage with built-in activities like flashcards, matching exercises, and quizzes. Study and Learn will provide students with an AI-powered learning companion that supports their growth and independence.

Supporting students in higher education

Students are already using AI-powered tools for writing, research, creativity, and career planning. For a limited time, eligible higher education students can now get 12 months of Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career—two powerful subscriptions working together to support academic success and jump start careers. The offer is an all-in-one AI-powered plan to help students excel in every aspect of campus life, from writing research papers and organizing class notes, to creating standout presentations and applying for internships and jobs, available at no extra cost for eligible students.²

Trusted resources for education leaders

Security, trust, and accessibility are foundational in education. We’re proud to introduce the Microsoft Education Security Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to help education institutions simplify and strengthen their cybersecurity posture. It provides practical guidance for education leaders on everything from strategic planning and compliance to implementation scenarios and real-world case studies.

For organizations just getting started, the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit offers a practical starting point. It includes real-world customer stories, guidance for responsible AI adoption, snapshots of AI usage, and a wealth of information to help you on your AI journey! Read stories and best practices from other education institutions.

Join us in shaping the future of education together

Microsoft is committed to supporting education systems, leaders, educators, and students as learning is reimagined in the age of AI. With tools, skilling, resources, and programs, we aim to help you reclaim time for what matters most: inspiring students, fostering curiosity, and nurturing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.

Heading to Bett UK 2026 from January 21–23, 2026? Visit Microsoft at stand SM20 to explore our latest innovations. See our full program and explore the 2026 agenda.

¹ IDC White Paper, sponsored by Microsoft, A Blueprint for AI-Ready Campuses: Strategies from the Front Lines of K-12 Education, #US54034625, December 2025.

² With select market restrictions, check here for availability and details.

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Microsoft is committed to ensuring that as AI innovation transforms our world, we’re equipping people with the skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive with AI. That’s why we partnered with CSforALL and a coalition of organizations including Code.org to bring educators, students, and communities around the world a new kind of learning experience: Hour of AI. Building on the momentum of Hour of Code and Computer Science (CS) Education Week, Hour of AI is designed to spark curiosity, build foundational skills, and empower 25 million learners of all ages to take their first step into understanding and creating with AI.¹ 

What is Hour of AI? 

Hour of AI is a global initiative designed to make AI literacy accessible, inclusive, and fun. With just one class and no prior experience, educators can engage learners of all ages with interactive activities and guided exploration to understand how AI works and how it’s shaping the world around us. 

With age-appropriate activities for learners at all levels, Hour of AI helps meet educators and students where they are on their own AI learning journeys. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, leading a school district, running an education nonprofit, or simply a parent or caregiver at home who wants to help your student engage with AI, there are ways for you to participate in Hour of AI.  

Explore three new Hour of AI activities from Microsoft 

From surviving the night with the help of an AI agent in Minecraft to coding and competing in Microsoft MakeCode, students can explore AI through familiar games and apps. Download free resources to help facilitate an Hour of AI in your classroom, school, or community and unlock AI education for all your students.

Minecraft Hour of AI: The First Night 

The new activity from Minecraft Education, Hour of AI: The First Night, challenges students to survive their first night in Minecraft, but with an AI twist! They’ll gather resources and build shelter before sunset with the help of AI agents, discovering how algorithms work and tackling problem-solving challenges through guided prompts that connect gameplay to real AI concepts. The First Night activity is available as a free demo in 29 languages, with classroom-ready lesson plans and educator materials.  

Access step-by-step facilitator training to plan and deliver a Minecraft Hour of AI lesson and connect to AI literacy and computer science standards.

Bug Arena from MakeCode 

Bug Arena from MakeCode is a free, game-based tutorial that introduces foundational AI concepts through coding and competition, where students design algorithms for their own Bug and send it into battle against other AI-powered bugs. They’ll write simple code to control movement and strategy, discovering how AI works through hands-on problem-solving, and experimenting to improve their Bug’s performance in real time. Bug Arena is a free, web-based activity, easy to run in any classroom for grades 3–8. 

Slither Slam from Visual Studio Code for Education 

Slither Slam from Visual Studio (VS) Code for Education is a free, game-based lesson designed for high school learners (grades 9–12). The activity gets students coding with AI prompts by using natural language to generate code for a classic Snake game and then competing against other AI snakes in the arena. This hands-on, engaging format helps students learn AI-assisted code generation, experiment with prompts to see how AI interprets instructions, and build confidence in both coding and understanding AI’s role in development.

Download and get setup with the Slither Slam resources available for educators.

Sharpen your AI skills year-round 

Supporting Hour of AI is just one way Microsoft is working to expand access to AI skills for students and educators worldwide. Through Microsoft Elevate, we offer year-round programs and resources designed to help teachers in every country and classroom confidently bring AI into their teaching—empowering educators to focus on what matters most: student success. Learn more about programs for educators and schools and get started with these resources:

• Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) Program: Join a global community of educators leading innovation with Microsoft tools and AI integration.
• Microsoft Showcase Schools Program: Collaborate with pioneering schools worldwide to transform learning.
• AI Skills for Educators: Access free resources and training to build AI literacy and integrate AI responsibly into your teaching.

Let’s make AI learning accessible, exciting, and empowering—one hour at a time. Join us for Hour of AI and CS Education Week 2025 and help shape the future of learning.

¹ CSforALL: What’s the goal of the Hour of AI?

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This year, Minecraft Education and Code.org are teaming up to make AI learning an epic adventure. Our long-standing partner, Code.org, has evolved Hour of Code into Hour of AI, a global initiative that brings the excitement of coding and AI to millions of students. And now, with our new Hour of AI world, The First Night, students get to experience the thrill of Minecraft while discovering how AI and AI agents work and how to use them responsibly.

Survive the night—with an agent by your side!

Imagine stepping into Minecraft, facing the classic challenge: gathering resources, building shelter, and keeping the zombies at bay. But this time, you’re not alone!

Students will team up with the beloved, blocky Minecraft Agent who needs their help to learn, adapt, and survive. Through MakeCode and Python programming, they will teach the Agent to recognize patterns, classify resources, and coordinate mini-agent helpers, just like a real AI system.

Game-based learning for AI literacy

Research shows that 72% of students want guidance from trusted adults about AI. Hour of AI makes this easy, no deep technical expertise required. Students get to play, experiment, and learn by doing. In this tutorial, every puzzle is a chance to experiment, play, and see your Agent grow smarter with your guidance.

The Agent becomes a “thinking partner,” amplifying human creativity and problem-solving, while the player gets to be the teacher, showing your Agent how to spot acacia wood, build tools, and even fix mistakes (like forgetting to add a door before the zombies arrive!). The game is packed with “aha!” moments, like debugging your Agent’s code or watching mini-agents mine and build alongside you.

The magic of Hour of AI is in the role reversal: students become the experts, guiding their Agent through five essential survival tasks. The Agent starts out clueless, but with your help, learns to tackle challenges and avoid epic fails. It’s hands-on, creative, and sometimes hilarious – especially when your Agent builds a shelter with no doors and you have to save the day!

How to join the adventure

Play the tutorial

• If you already have Minecraft Education, open the app and click ‘Hour of AI’ on the home screen to choose a tutorial.
• If you don’t have a license, download the app and click ‘Try a demo’. Hour of AI is available as a free demo in Minecraft Education, which means it’s accessible to anyone, no license required.

Download educator materials

• Visit our Hour of AI webpage to get free supporting materials including a Facilitator Guide and lesson plan.
• When students complete the Hour of AI, they will receive a certificate of completion. Download this certificate to print, as well as a fun badge.

Register for free community events

• Join one of our Hour of AI Classroom Play-Alongs, where you can join classrooms around the world for a guest-taught Hour of AI live lesson streamed Microsoft Teams.

Mark your calendar for December 8, when millions of students and teachers around the world will celebrate Computer Science Education Week with tons of fun Hour of AI events.

Ready to play, learn, and shape the future?

Hour of AI: The First Night is just the beginning. For educators and students who want more, Minecraft Education’s AI Foundations program offers extended curriculum, teacher training, and an animated series for learners of all ages.

Join the global Hour of AI movement and show students that the AI-powered future is full of creative problem solving, collaboration, and fun. As the sun sets on your first night, the adventure and the learning have only just begun!

The post Solve coding puzzles to survive the night in the new Minecraft Hour of AI appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

As EDUCAUSE’s 2025 Top 10 IT Issues highlights, a leading priority is to build data-empowered institutions that use data, analytics, and AI to enhance decision-making, simplify workflows, and empower teams to improve student success.

Yet many institutions are still limited by siloed and inconsistent data spread across dozens of systems. Becoming data empowered takes more than new tools. It requires democratized data and insights, a clear strategy, and a culture that supports data-driven decision making.

A single, AI-powered platform can provide the secure foundation for unified data. It allows institutions to use AI in ways that are practical and measurable. It has the potential to connect disconnected systems and empower leaders, faculty, and staff with insights that create impact across many parts of the institution.

Building the foundation of a data-empowered institution

Becoming a data-empowered institution is not a one-time project but a continuous strategy that can transform how colleges and universities operate. Institutions that lead with data can:

• Drive institutional strategy with intelligent insights.
• Seamlessly govern and protect data across campus.
• Accelerate research workflows with generative AI.

While unified data and AI-powered insights are key enablers, institutions must also prioritize data security and governance to provide leaders with trusted insights for decision-making. With these fundamentals in place, data can become a trusted institutional asset that helps strengthen collaboration across teams and break down departmental silos. When data is managed as an institutional asset, leaders can make informed decisions and allocate resources where they’ll have the greatest impact.

Microsoft Fabric helps unify data and teams to apply AI at scale, enhance decision-making, and build trust in insights by breaking down silos, improving performance visibility, accelerating innovation, and promoting data security. With these capabilities, leaders can better align resources, support student success, and stay resilient in a rapidly changing environment.

Driving institutional strategy with intelligent insights

Higher education leaders face mounting pressure to make faster, smarter decisions amid enrollment shifts, funding uncertainty, and workforce changes. These challenges ripple across budgets, staffing, and student services, while siloed systems often fragment financial, enrollment, and student success data, leaving leaders with outdated or incomplete insights.

Microsoft Fabric offers a unified foundation to turn institutional data into a source of agility and confidence. By connecting systems and applying predictive analytics, leaders can model scenarios, uncover insights, and act on opportunities such as:

• Tracking shifts in applications and yield rates to redirect outreach and boost enrollment.
• Identifying early signs of attrition and activating support to keep students on track.
• Modelling how changes in enrollment, aid, or scholarships affect financial outcomes.

By transforming data into actionable intelligence, institutions move from reacting to challenges to anticipating them. With AI-powered insights, leaders can automate outreach, streamline reporting, and coordinate action across departments to support student success and institutional resilience.

Like many other schools, Xavier College was grappling with a complex network of platforms and IT products, with its data scattered across 130 disparate systems. The College migrated all current and historic student and staff data to Microsoft Azure in under seven months, consolidating multiple systems and eliminating the need to manage data separately.

Key considerations for leaders: Are your financial and operational models rooted in historical data, or do they anticipate and shape strategy?

Governing and protecting data seamlessly

Colleges and universities manage sensitive information across student records, financial data, medical research, and intellectual property. Rising cyberthreats and evolving compliance requirements can put this sensitive data at risk while fragmented security tools overextend IT and security teams.

By protecting sensitive information and addressing risks quickly, institutions can safeguard research, teaching, and operations while maintaining trust and compliance. Strong data governance helps promote responsible information use, supporting innovation and collaboration without compromising security.

These measures help institutions protect valuable data and maintain trust with researchers and partners:

• Automate checks and reporting to improve audit readiness and reduce manual effort.
• Demonstrate robust data protection to secure grants and renewals.
• Monitor and respond to threats in real time, minimizing disruptions.

As part of Oregon State University’s (OSU) commitment to innovative security protocols, they continue to both deepen and expand their cybersecurity posture. They’re using Microsoft Security Copilot alongside Microsoft security tools with the goal of elevating their proactive security measures, allowing analysts to focus on tasks that add greater value to the institution.

Key considerations for leaders: Does your institution have unified visibility across all data systems, or are gaps still creating risk and stretching your teams thin?

Accelerating research breakthroughs

Research breakthroughs frequently require accurate, connected data that’s ready to power new insights. Critical information is often scattered across disconnected systems, which can make it difficult for faculty and researchers to collaborate efficiently or uncover patterns that drive innovation. In many cases, valuable time is spent cleaning and cross-checking data instead of focusing on discovery.

When institutions build a strong data foundation, they can discover new possibilities. Unified, well-governed data allows researchers to ask better questions, explore trends faster, and collaborate across disciplines while giving leaders a chance to gain predictive insights to drive breakthroughs.

When data is connected and trusted, AI can take research further by automating routine analysis, revealing new patterns, and suggesting fresh directions to explore. With the right foundation in place, faculty and students have an opportunity to spend less time managing information and more time advancing knowledge, securing funding, and driving the institution’s long-term growth.

Using Azure OpenAI, researchers at Georgia Tech were able to analyze unstructured data to better understand the charging experience of electric vehicle (EV) drivers. The volume of information was substantial, but it was estimated that human experts would require 99 weeks to extract the salient data points, which wasn’t realistic. Azure OpenAI was pivotal in advancing the research.

Key considerations for leaders: Are your research teams able to quickly connect datasets across disciplines, or are insights still fragmented and slowing discovery?

Unifying teams and data to support student success

Data empowerment helps institutions maximize innovation and value across operations, instruction, and systems:

• Simplify faculty and staff workflows – Unified data and automation can help streamline administrative work and empower educators. AI-powered tools are being used to improve efficiency and free up time for more strategic tasks. At the University of Waterloo, an AI assistant is helping students navigate job searches more efficiently and access support, contributing to a more streamlined experience that aligns with the university’s focus on student success.
• Engage learners and alumni – With a strong focus on student success and social mobility, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is transforming higher education to meet the diverse needs of its students. By connecting siloed data and applying AI-powered tools, the university is streamlining processes and personalizing engagement across the student journey.

Becoming a data-empowered institution is a journey, not a destination. These five scenarios show how institutions can transform operations when data is unified, and AI is applied with purpose. The path to proactive leadership starts with unified data. Microsoft can help you move with confidence.

Download the Data-Empowered Institution e-book to see how leading institutions are putting these scenarios into action, and how your campus can take the next step.

Ready to learn more? Discover additional resources and tools to accelerate your data empowerment journey:

• Read the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ study to see how leading organizations achieved 379% ROI with Microsoft Fabric, and how your institution can apply these insights to maximize the value of its data.
• Explore how Microsoft Fabric can help your institution securely unify data, enhance collaboration, and prepare your organization for the AI era.

The post Building data-empowered higher education institutions appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

We believe the future starts here at home. That’s why we’re investing in the people who live, learn, and teach in our own backyard. Our goal? To ensure the state of Washington benefits first from the innovations we are creating for the world. We want to ensure that Washington not only remains a national hub for technology and entrepreneurship but that our students are among the most prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

Today, we see a troubling trend—one that could undermine our shared future. Analysis of Microsoft data by our AI for Good Lab shows a marked disparity in AI use across the state. In counties with the highest use of AI along the Puget Sound—Snohomish, King, Pierce, and Whatcom—AI is already used by more than 30 percent of the population. Snohomish leads with 35 percent. Yet in seven rural counties in eastern Washington, usage drops well below 10 percent. Ferry County ranks lowest, with just 2.5 percent of residents using AI—a tenfold gap compared to the state’s most connected regions. Download the full dataset.

As we’ve learned firsthand from working for a decade on broadband accessibility across the state, this isn’t just a technology gap; it’s an opportunity gap. Because in tomorrow’s economy, those who understand and use AI will do better than those who don’t.

Microsoft Elevate Washington: A homegrown commitment

That’s why today we’re launching Microsoft Elevate Washington—an important new initiative to help ensure that everyone across our home state can access AI technology and develop the skills to use it. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we’ve shaped this effort in close collaboration with a broad coalition of voices from across Washington. Most importantly, we’re committed to working shoulder to shoulder with educators—because they are the driving force behind our shared vision for the future.

This new initiative will bring the world’s most advanced AI tools and training free of charge to every high school and community college student across our state, regardless of zip code. This is more than a program—it’s a promise to Washington’s 100,000 educators and 500,000 high school and community college students. A promise that they will be equipped with the very best technology to navigate—and help shape—this new era.

We’re backing this commitment with grants to accelerate adoption and innovation, support for early adopters of AI-powered teaching and learning, and professional development for educators to better engage students and lighten administrative workloads.

When we invest in our educators, we invest in our students. And when we invest in our students, we invest in the future of Washington.

What we’re offering

For school districts and community colleges

Starting January 2026, we’ll provide Copilot Studio to Washington State’s 295 school districts and 34 community colleges free of charge for up to three years.  This powerful tool allows administrators and staff to build custom AI agents—no coding required—to help transform how these districts and community colleges support learning.

With Copilot Studio, these institutions can use AI and AI agents to help streamline scheduling, enhance data analysis, support school year planning, and help teachers plan for classes—enabling faster, more informed decision-making and freeing up time for more meaningful student engagement.

In addition, Microsoft will provide up to 10 school districts and 10 community colleges with $25,000 in dedicated technology consulting to help them build and deploy AI agents tailored to their teaching and workplace needs. The company will then help these institutions spread what they learn to administrators and educators across the state to jump-start AI expertise more broadly.

For high school students (grades 9–12)

Beginning July 2026, high school students across Washington will receive free access for up to three years to Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 desktop apps, Learning Accelerators, and Teams for Education. This will also include AI-powered learning experiences grounded in learning science to help foster critical thinking and engagement and will launch in the coming weeks and months.

These tools will help students build fluency in AI, boost productivity, develop digital literacy, and improve learning outcomes. They will help improve reading fluency and comprehension and build critical information literacy. By tailoring feedback and guidance to each student’s pace and needs, these new AI tools will support academic growth and critical thinking.

For community college students

Microsoft will offer all community college students in Washington State 12 months of free usage of Microsoft 365 Personal, including Copilot integration across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. This offer, available through November 15, 2025, will help students manage coursework, collaborate on projects, and build digital skills with AI-powered tools. This subscription includes one terabyte of OneDrive cloud storage, Microsoft Defender for security, and creative tools, including Designer for image editing.

For educators

Microsoft will support state education agencies to help provide high-quality AI professional development to educators and administrative staff. Working with Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Washington Education Association (WEA), and the National Education Association (NEA), Microsoft will support AI training programs focused on streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing operational efficiencies.

This initiative will make AI professional development available to all 295 public school districts and accessible to all certificated teachers, instructional assistants, and administrative staff. The company will also support the state agencies’ AI Innovation Summit—an in-person and virtual conference hosted by all K–12 agencies—we will help bring together over 1,000 educators, board members, and administrators to explore AI adoption, implementation, and best practices in education.

Additionally, we will deliver Generative AI for Educators training and role-based generative AI training across all 34 community and technical colleges. And we will collaborate with the NEA and WEA to strengthen AI readiness among their local affiliates.

We will back these efforts with cash grants to support Washington’s K-12 schools and community colleges to help educators integrate AI into their preparation and instruction, ultimately enhancing teaching, learning, and efficiency.

Building a movement

All this builds on our global July announcement of Microsoft Elevate, a new business unit focused on supporting schools, colleges, and nonprofits with technology, training, and funding. Through this new initiative, we’ll contribute more than $4 billion over the next 5 years in cash and cloud services to help these institutions around the world advance their missions.

We know that we can’t do this alone and that our success will require a statewide movement. That’s why we’re leaning in with state agencies, school districts, and community organizations to help us reach every corner of our state.

We are collaborating with nonprofits like Code.org to bring the Hour of AI to students across the state, including rallying our 50,000-plus employees in Washington to lead a workshop that showcases real-world applications and student-led innovation.

We’re supporting youth development workers, college and career navigators, and community leaders with tailored generative AI training to help them serve their communities more effectively.

And finally, we’ll launch an open call for innovators to partner with education institutions and build scalable, AI-enabled solutions that improve learning and career readiness. If you’re passionate about education and technology, we want to hear from you.

An enduring commitment to Washington’s future

Microsoft was born in Washington, and our roots run deep. As we look to the future, our commitment is unwavering: to empower every student, every educator, and every community in our state to thrive in the era of AI. Together, we can build a future where Washington leads the nation—and where every young person growing up in our backyard has the chance to achieve more.

We’re inviting every Washingtonian to join us in this journey—because the future of AI isn’t about machines. It’s about people. It’s about creativity. It’s about solving real problems and expanding opportunities broadly.

The post Microsoft Elevate Washington: World-class AI for every student and teacher, right here at home appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

While over 80% of respondents in the 2025 AI in Education Report have already used AI for school, we believe there are significant opportunities to design AI that can better serve each of their needs and broaden access to the latest innovation.¹

That’s why today, we’re announcing AI-powered experiences built for teaching and learning at no additional cost, new integrations in Microsoft 365 apps and Learning Management Systems, and an academic offering for Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Introducing AI-powered teaching and learning

Empowering educators with Teach

We’re introducing Teach to help streamline class prep and adapt AI to support educators’ teaching expertise with intuitive and customizable features. In one place, educators can easily access AI-powered teaching tools to create lesson plans, draft materials like quizzes and rubrics, and quickly make modifications to language, reading level, length, difficulty, alignment to relevant standards, and more.

Teach is rolling out in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app starting today at no additional cost for education customers with more functionality, including Learning Management System (LMS) integration, coming soon. Many of these features are also available in the daily flow of educators using apps like Microsoft Teams and OneNote.

Supporting students with Study and Learn Agent

By creating AI experiences grounded in learning science, we can more effectively support the process of learning for students and shift focus on the use of AI for quick content generation to nurturing the growth of skills over time. We’re bringing Study and Learn, an advanced agent, to students to provide adaptive experiences and help foster critical and reflective thinking. They can choose to work on their understanding, practice with exercises, study a specific topic, or simply chat and select from engaging built-in activities like flashcards, matching, fill-in-the-blank, or quizzes as they go. Study and Learn is coming to preview in November 2025 and will be available at no additional cost.

Learn more about all the latest updates in today’s Education Tech Community blog post.

New integrations in everyday apps for education

Millions of educators, staff, and students ages 13 and older are using Copilot Chat to personalize learning, enhance instruction, and reimagine administrative tasks. In Fulton County Schools, it’s helping to increase student agency and engagement and at Babson College it’s accelerating time to market for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Copilot Chat is included at no additional cost with Microsoft 365 and now available in apps like Outlook and PowerPoint to provide secure AI chat powered by GPT-5 with enterprise data protection and IT controls. Plus, coming to preview in December 2025, it will be accessible in LMSs such as Canvas, Schoology, Brightspace, Blackboard, and Moodle™ through the Microsoft 365 LTI.

Broadening access to the latest AI innovation

We’re excited to introduce an academic offering for Microsoft 365 Copilot in education at $18 (USD) per user per month for educators, staff, and students ages 13 and older starting in December 2025.² Deeply integrated into apps used every day, Microsoft 365 Copilot combines the power of AI with your data—documents, presentations, emails, meetings, chats, institutional knowledge, and more—plus the web to deliver relevant responses with sources. It also delivers cutting-edge capabilities like comprehensive agent access including Researcher and Analyst, Copilot Tuning for increased customization, and the Copilot Control System to protect institutional data.

Microsoft 365 Copilot has helped save significant time for our educators and staff, empowering them to focus on the reason they came into education—supporting student learning and personalizing education in ways that weren’t possible before.

Leigh Williams, CIO, Brisbane Catholic Education

At Brisbane Catholic Education, participating educators saved over 9 hours per week in administrative and planning tasks, allowing more time for enhancing student experiences and wellbeing. Eighty-four percent of users—including students—at the University of South Carolina reported saving between one and five hours per week, with 8 in 10 users reporting satisfaction with Copilot. Professors reported time savings and improved quality in academic output, allowing more focus on higher-value research and mentoring. Meanwhile, administrators reported reduced meeting prep time and improved decision-making through faster data synthesis, and communication teams increased their creative output without sacrificing quality.

Transforming education experiences with agents

Institutions are deepening the use of AI to advance their mission and prepare students for the future while also beginning to demonstrate the potential of agents to transform experiences across teaching, learning, research, and operations. Whether you’re looking to use pre-built solutions, quickly build your own, or develop advanced systems, we’ve made it easy to take the power of generative AI a step further with agents. Simply use natural language to create instructions and select relevant content to begin transforming experiences and processes with customized agents.

The University of South Florida is driving a comprehensive approach across the spectrum of agents. The IT team has built agents to enhance campus experiences and support for topics like travel policy, the IT help desk, or events such as student commencement. They’ve worked with the library, athletics, and are partnering with the College of Medicine to create custom solutions including an advanced accreditation system and interactive student handbooks.

Student Ambassadors built agents for several departments resulting in decreased manual reporting time, expedited inventory analysis, and improved content creation workflows. Their Microsoft 365 Copilot users are also already seeing efficiency gains with Researcher and Analyst to support tasks like annual report development, procurement, billing evaluation, and budget reviews. Next, they’re piloting the use of autonomous agents to drive IT process automation and an agent-driven contact center.

At Broward County Public Schools, academic leaders are creating innovative agents such as an interactive quiz engine to enhance student engagement, a resume and job description analyzer to support career readiness initiatives. They’re also exploring agent use cases like professional development planning, recruitment assistance, newsletter and report drafting, and more. To streamline operations, Broward is building agents to facilitate contract management and improve access to support information for users of their Student Information System.

More ways to get started on your AI journey

No matter where you are on your AI journey, we offer a place to get started, including many options at no additional cost. Educators can take advantage of our Learning Accelerators like Reading Coach to receive immediate feedback and insights powered by AI, Minecraft AI Foundations to build AI literacy in engaging ways with students and families, as well as Khanmigo for Teachers for a suite of standards-aligned tools with no prompting required and Khanmigo Writing Coach for students. GitHub Copilot Pro is available to educators and students for free plus access to dozens of learning resources in the Student Developer Pack.

Many students are not only starting to use AI tools in the classroom, but also at home and for purposes outside of schoolwork like trip or meal planning, shopping, and side hustles. Microsoft 365 Personal is available for use of productivity apps and credits for new AI features. Eligible college students can receive a 50% discount on Microsoft 365 Personal and can sign up for a free 12-month trial for a limited time.

¹ Survey Data – 2025 AI in Education Report

² All prices are in US dollars and accurate as of December 2025. Regional prices will vary based on foreign exchange rates at the moment of ordering SKUs.

The post Designing Microsoft 365 Copilot to empower educators, students, and staff appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

At Microsoft, we recognize the evolving needs of educators and institutions—and we see them as opportunities to provide meaningful support through a secure, high-performing platform. Windows 11 helps you simplify IT, support equity, and unlock future-ready learning.

Let’s explore how Windows 11 is built to securely support today’s educational needs and deliver AI-powered experiences. We’ll also highlight your upgrade paths to Windows 11 as Windows 10 approaches end of support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.

Secure by design, ready for the modern classroom

As learning continues to become more connected and digital-first, having a secure technology foundation is more important than ever. Windows 11 was built with this in mind—combining modern protections with performance and usability.

Microsoft Defender provides real-time protection that updates automatically, helping you stay ahead of evolving digital risks with less manual work. Hardware-level security features like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 are built in, helping safeguard student and school data at every level—from classroom to district.

These capabilities don’t just protect—they help you simplify. With centralized management through Microsoft Intune, your IT teams can more easily promote consistency across devices and reduce time spent on maintenance and troubleshooting.

Performance matters too. Windows 11 provides practical enhancements to the classroom experience, including faster boot times, improved multitasking capabilities, extended battery life, and accessibility tools such as voice typing and live captions—all designed to empower every student to participate and succeed.

Explore how Windows 11 can help you save time, track progress, and support diverse learning needs in the classroom.

Scale digital learning

Ceibal, a government agency in Uruguay, was founded to universalize access to digital technology in the Uruguayan public education system and is the largest education Microsoft tenant in Latin America. In 2023 they adopted Windows 11 as the main operating system and more than 240,000 students and teachers across Uruguay were using Windows 11 PCs. Their learning management system (LMS) CREA saw usage rates increase from 55% in 2019 to 86% in 2024.¹ The migration also delivered practical benefits: maintenance and update costs decreased, and compatibility between software and hardware improved significantly.

Prior to moving to Windows 11, maintenance and update costs were higher because each device model had its own OS version. Additionally, compatibility between software and hardware made things even more difficult. By integrating Windows 11, everything became much quicker and simpler with added security.

Mateo Pérez, Product Coordinator at Ceibal

Forward-looking platform for personalized learning

Windows 11 is built to support not just today’s educational needs, but tomorrow’s innovations. As AI continues to become an integral part of teaching and learning, schools need tools that are both powerful and practical—helping educators adapt without requiring them to overhaul their workflows.

One example is Microsoft Learning Zone, a Windows app designed to save educators time while enhancing student engagement. Built for Copilot+ PCs, Learning Zone uses on-device AI to help educators create personalized, interactive lessons from the materials they already use—turning a worksheet or slide deck into student-ready activities in minutes.

Whether introducing new concepts, reinforcing key ideas, or tailoring practice to individual learners, Learning Zone puts AI directly into the teaching workflow—responsibly and privately. Because it runs on the device, educators stay in control of both content and student data.

Available in public preview, Learning Zone shows how Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs can support modern instruction while preserving privacy and empowering educator creativity. Educators can also use built-in trusted content from world-class partners—from NASA’s hands-on exploration and OpenStax’s Rice University-backed curriculum to Minecraft Education’s immersive game-based learning and Kahoot!’s AI-powered instant quiz generation—all seamlessly integrated and ready to inspire student curiosity from day one.

Planning your upgrade to Windows 11 Education

With Windows 10 support ending on October 14, 2025, you have several options to keep your learning environments secure and AI-ready. Every institution is in a different place with budgets and timelines, so the transition doesn’t have to happen all at once. Microsoft offers three flexible paths to help institutions transition based on their budget and readiness.

Option 1: Upgrading eligible devices

Many existing devices are compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft offers a free tool called PC Health Check that tells you if your device meets the requirements for Windows 11. Schools can use Microsoft Intune to upgrade at no additional cost—unlocking immediate security, performance, and accessibility improvements without investing in new hardware.

Option 2: Making the most of device transitions

When it’s time to purchase new Windows 11 PCs, to help ensure older devices are responsibly recycled or repurposed whenever possible, we encourage the use of trade-in and recycling programs available through our retail and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners. To help schools stretch their budgets, eligible devices can be securely recycled with cashback to offset new purchases through select programs. For devices that don’t qualify for trade-in, Microsoft’s end-of-life management programs support sustainability goals through responsible recycling.

You can also explore Shape the Future, a Microsoft discount program that helps K–12 education institutions access affordable Windows 11 PCs and promote digital equity.

Free planning tools to support your Windows 11 upgrade

Microsoft offers resources to help assess and plan your upgrade to Windows 11. These tools are designed to give you clear insights and support confident decision-making.

• Windows EOS Devices Calculator: Estimate the benefits and costs of upgrading or understand what it takes to maintain Windows 10 devices securely after support ends.
• Windows 11 Migration Assessment: Evaluate your institution’s readiness for Windows 11 and get practical recommendations for your transition.

Option 3: Phase your rollout

If replacing all devices at once isn’t possible, consider a hybrid plan. For eligible devices, upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for licenses on a per device basis until you’re ready to fully transition. The ESU program allows covered devices to continue to receive security updates for up to three years. ESU pricing for Microsoft Education customers will be $1 per device for the first year, $2 the following year, and $4 the third year to help institutions receive the support they need.² This offer is extended to all education customers, including K-12 and higher education.

Invest in AI-powered learning

Schools ready to enhance productivity through AI can consider Copilot+ PCs. These Windows 11 PCs, in comparison to traditional devices, deliver faster performance, longer battery life, and on-device AI experiences that support a long-term investment in educational innovation. Copilot+ PCs are the fastest, most intelligent, and secure Windows 11 PCs ever, optimized for AI-powered experiences like Learning Zone.

No matter your timeline, Microsoft is committed to helping your school move forward confidently—keeping learning secure today while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

The transition to Windows 11 doesn’t have to happen overnight—but planning should start now. A well-managed move can lead to stronger security, reduced maintenance, improved compatibility, and higher engagement.

Windows 11 offers every school a high-performance foundation for learning today—and innovation tomorrow. Whether your district is ready to upgrade or just starting to plan, Microsoft is here to help every step of the way.

Explore Windows 11 today and see how your school can reimagine teaching and learning.

¹ Ceibal LMS usage statistics, 2024

² All prices are in US dollars and accurate as of October 2025. Regional prices will vary based on foreign exchange rates at the moment of ordering SKUs.

The post Build secure, future-ready learning experiences with Windows 11 appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Microsoft is proud to welcome more than 43,000 Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts and 900 Microsoft Showcase Schools into our global education empowerment community for the 2025–2026 academic year. The MIE Experts 2025-2026 cohort and this year’s Showcase Schools distinguish themselves through their visionary leadership, embracing AI transformation and fostering AI literacy to reimagine learning.

Across education institutions, educators, and students, AI use is surging. MIE Experts and Showcase Schools play a crucial role in their communities by integrating Microsoft technologies and championing learning. With 70% of skills used in most jobs expected to change by 2030, these educators and schools are at the forefront of preparing students for the future.¹ We’re excited to work alongside these changemakers, and we anticipate a year filled with meaningful connections, shared learning experiences, and transformative impact.

Championed by Microsoft Elevate

The MIE Expert and Showcase School programs are set to benefit from a deeper commitment to people-centered AI innovation through Microsoft Elevate, Microsoft’s initiative to empower educators, nonprofit organizations, and workforce partners with advanced AI capabilities. By connecting the MIE Expert and Showcase School programs to Microsoft Elevate, we are renewing our focus on educators to ensure that individuals remain at the center of progress, while fostering community engagement and driving meaningful impact across global learning communities.

During the launch of Microsoft Elevate, MIE Expert Eleanor Jenkins expressed her enthusiasm about the transformative potential of AI in education:

The future of what students are going to be working in, the careers they’re going to have, don’t exist at the moment…we have to define the way the world works and the way the world is going to change.

Eleanor Jenkins, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert

The benefits of joining these communities are substantial. Educators gain access to exclusive resources, leadership opportunities, and recognition for their impact. Through Microsoft Elevate, participants also receive support in using AI to enhance teaching and learning. Whether through coaching, presenting at conferences, or collaborating across the world, these educators are empowered to lead change, inspire others, and shape the future of education. Together, they form a vibrant community committed to equity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

MIE Experts 2025-2026

MIE Experts are visionary educators who utilize Microsoft tools to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participation begins with completing professional learning paths which equip educators with future-ready skills and tools to personalize learning. They engage actively in Microsoft technology integration, build connections through both global and local networks, and inspire innovation within their schools and communities. We honor their passion for growth and proudly welcome the 2025–2026 MIE Experts!

MIE Fellows 2025-2026

MIE Fellows are distinguished leaders within the MIE Expert and Showcase School community, personally nominated by Microsoft team members. They have demonstrated excellence in the MIE Expert or Showcase School program—or both—through coaching, mentoring, sharing their knowledge broadly at conferences, and providing rich professional learning to other educators. As part of this program, MIE Fellows take on leadership roles within their region and work closely with the Microsoft Elevate team to offer support and growth within the MIE Expert community.

Microsoft Showcase Schools 2025-2026

Microsoft Showcase Schools serve as trailblazers in educational transformation, leading the way in the integration of AI and future-ready skills. These schools use Microsoft technology and AI solutions to boost student engagement, foster collaboration, and prepare learners for the evolving demands of the modern world. As models of innovation and leadership, they demonstrate how purposeful use of technology can empower students to thrive in an increasingly digital society.

How to join: Become an MIE Expert

If you’re interested in joining this vibrant community, get started today:

• Learn more about the MIE Expert community.
• Complete the AI for Educators learning path through Microsoft Learn.
• Complete the Reading Coach learning module through Microsoft Learn.

How to join: Microsoft Showcase School Program

If you’re a school leader ready to lead transformation, here’s how to get started:

• Learn more about the Microsoft Showcase School program.
• Review the Microsoft Showcase School criteria.
• View the Microsoft Showcase School rubric.

All schools begin on the Incubator path and can apply to become a Showcase School once they meet the criteria.

Elevate education together

As we welcome the 2025–2026 cohort of MIE Experts, MIE Fellows, and Showcase Schools, we celebrate a shared vision: to elevate education through innovation, collaboration, and purpose. These educators and institutions are not just adopting technology—they’re leading transformation, empowering students, and redefining what’s possible in learning. Together, we’re building a global community that uplifts every learner and educator, driving forward a future where education is inclusive, impactful, and inspired.

Stay connected with us

• Join the Microsoft Learn Educator Center.
• Follow Microsoft AI Skills on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Follow Microsoft Education on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Pinterest, and YouTube.
• Bookmark the Microsoft Education Blog and visit frequently for news that inspires and resources that support learning.

¹ AI and the Global Economy: Unlocking Growth and Reshaping Work, LinkedIn, 2025

The post Celebrating the 2025–2026 MIE Experts and Showcase Schools appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella joined the meeting and outlined our commitments to empower teachers and students, build AI skills, and create economic opportunity in a video.

We believe delivering on the real promise of AI depends on how broadly it’s diffused. This requires investment and innovation in AI education, training, and job certification. We applaud the leadership of the First Lady and the White House’s AI Education Task Force. They’re helping to forge a national AI education strategy and partnering with companies across the tech sector and business community.

As we think about this national priority, we think it comes down to three things.

First, empowering teachers and students with the latest AI tools. 

Second, building AI skills. With AI moving faster than any technology in history, the only way to keep up is learning by doing and getting recognized for it.  

Third, creating economic opportunity by connecting these new skills to jobs. Every American should be able to showcase their AI skills and credentials to find new jobs and grow their career. 

Here’s what’s coming from Microsoft: 

• Free Copilot in Microsoft 365 for college students. Today, we are making Microsoft 365 Personal free for 12 months to every college student in the United States. This includes all students attending community colleges. Microsoft 365 Personal includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook with Copilot, our AI assistant, built right in. College students can sign up to access this free offer beginning today through October 31, 2025 (valid university email address required). Learn more.
• Expanded access to our AI tools in schools. Microsoft Elevate will soon build on today’s announcement with expanded access to Copilot to students and teachers in schools, keeping an eye on providing the right tools and education in a safe and age-appropriate manner.
• $1.25 million in educator grants. To celebrate and elevate outstanding teachers, Microsoft Elevate is funding $1.25 million in prizes through the Presidential AI Challenge—recognizing top educators in every state who are leading the way in AI-powered learning. 
• Free LinkedIn Learning AI courses for students and teachers. We’re unlocking free access to LinkedIn Learning courses for teachers and students that guide learners from foundational AI concepts to advanced skills—culminating in LinkedIn certifications that can be added to profiles to boost resumes and open doors to future careers.
• AI training for job seekers and certifications for community colleges. Through new and expanded partnerships with the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Applied AI Consortium, Microsoft Elevate will sponsor no-cost AI training and certifications for faculty and staff, who serve more than 10 million students nationwide, and is providing grants to more than 30 Community Colleges across 28 states to create a community of practice AI peer learning program. Faculty and staff can sign up for training at NAAIC.
• Free LinkedIn Learning AI courses for job seekers. With 70% of AI-related skills expected to shift by 2030, Microsoft will also launch almost 100 AI courses in 15 new LinkedIn Learning paths and host a nationwide AI Learning Challenge to help job seekers build in-demand skills and address the critical skills gap facing today’s workforce. Starting September 29, LinkedIn Learning will host an AI Learning Challenge offering 5 days of intensive, free AI education featuring expert instructors and a list of top AI voices to follow to continue learning every day.

Together, these initiatives represent a powerful investment in America’s future—ensuring that students, teachers, and job seekers across the country have the tools to thrive in the age of AI. 

The post New White House commitments empower teachers, students, and job seekers through AI skilling and learning appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Back-to-school season is more than a calendar milestone—it’s a moment of anticipation, reflection, and opportunity. For educators, administrators, and staff, it’s a time to reconnect with purpose, reimagine what’s possible, and prepare to meet the evolving needs of students. But it’s also a time of complexity. Rising demands, limited time, and rapid technological change are reshaping education in real time.

At Microsoft Education, we believe AI in education is more than a technological shift—it’s a human opportunity. It’s a chance to empower inclusive, student-centered learning and help educators reclaim time for what matters most: creating impactful learning experiences for all.

Getting started with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat, and AI-powered tools can be easy—and we’re here to support your journey with ideas, resources, and real-world examples to help you build confidence along the way.

1. Streamline your day with Copilot Chat

Educators and education leaders have a wide range of responsibilities—from instructional planning to strategic communications. Copilot Chat is designed to help you simplify those tasks with secure, AI-powered chat.

Not sure where to start? Here are ways to use Copilot Chat to assist you with everyday tasks:

• Create and differentiate lesson plans based on grade level, learning preferences, language needs, or curriculum goals.
• Design rubrics and formative assessments aligned to educational standards.
• Translate Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodation justifications into plain language to help parents and caregivers understand complex concepts.
• Brainstorm ideas and build assets like agendas, communication strategies, and social media flyers for school events.
• Draft professional communications in multiple formats to keep faculty, staff, families, and school communities informed.
• Build onboarding guides and professional learning agendas to support staff transitions and skill-building goals.
• Write grant proposals and board presentations using clear, structured language for diverse audiences.

Whether you’re personalizing instruction, communicating with stakeholders, or rolling out new technology, Copilot Chat offers ways to reclaim your time and integrate AI into your daily workflow.

2. Empower teen students with Copilot Chat

Copilot Chat is available for students aged 13 and older, opening new opportunities for learning, creativity, and support in and beyond the classroom. With thoughtful implementation, you can empower students to explore ideas, ask questions, and build confidence using AI as a thought partner.

With clear guardrails and intentional integration, Copilot Chat can also support critical thinking, digital literacy, and curiosity—skills that are increasingly valuable in both academic and professional settings. By guiding students in responsible AI use, you can help prepare them to navigate a digital world with confidence.

3. Personalize learning with AI-powered Learning Accelerators

Every student learns differently. Microsoft Learning Accelerators bring AI-powered support into the classroom, helping you deliver more personalized learning experiences. These tools are designed to strengthen foundational skills—such as reading fluency and math proficiency—and promote future-ready skills. They also help simplify lesson planning and offer real-time coaching and feedback to support both teaching and learning.

Reading Progress, Reading Coach, Math Progress, Speaker Coach, and more are seamlessly integrated into Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams for Education, helping you and your students get started quickly. Learning Accelerators offer insights and data visualizations to track progress at both the student and class level—helping to make it easier for you to tailor your instruction to individual needs.

4. Build AI confidence with educator resources

With the right guidance, you can try new tools, build confidence, and use AI in ways that benefit you and your students. Use these free resources designed to support your growth and foster successful outcomes for everyone:

• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – Get practical guidance on responsible AI use, implementation strategies, and professional learning. The AI Toolkit is designed to help K-20 educators, IT leaders, and decision-makers build confidence and clarity around AI use in education.
• Microsoft Education Resource Center – Explore a curated collection of flexible, easy-to-use technology quick start guides, how-tos, and expert tips to support your next steps with AI. Whether you’re building AI literacy, getting started with AI-powered tools, or scaling adoption, these resources can help turn momentum into meaningful progress.
• Microsoft Learn Educator Center – As part of Microsoft Elevate, we’re putting people first—equipping educators with the skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive with AI through professional development and training that prepares them to lead in a changing world.

5. Learn from schools innovating with AI

Across the world, schools and institutions are using Microsoft AI tools to reimagine learning, teaching, and operations. These real-world examples show how AI can support transformative change—helping education professionals individualize instruction, reclaim time, and operate more efficiently:

• Fulton County Schools, Georgia, in the United States, uses Copilot Chat to empower teen students, streamline lesson planning, and enhance collaboration.
• Education University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Primary School (EdUJCPS), in Hong Kong, developed chatbots and AI assistants that personalize educational materials.
• Tecnológico de Monterrey, in Monterrey, Mexico, created TECgpt, an AI-powered ecosystem built on Azure OpenAI Service, to transform learning experiences.
• Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, in the United States, uses Microsoft 365 Copilot to prepare students with career readiness skills.

What’s next: Enhancing instruction with AI innovation

Microsoft Learning Zone is now available in public preview—a free, AI-powered learning app built for educators to create personalized, adaptive learning experiences.¹ Launching on Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft Surface, and across the Windows ecosystem, this hub combines AI innovation, learning science, and educator feedback to support professional growth.

Microsoft Learning Zone offers tools for lesson creation, customizable learning goals, and data-driven insights to help boost student engagement. Learn more about Microsoft Learning Zone and explore updates to other Microsoft Education tools on the Tech Community blog.

Here to help you thrive with AI

A new academic year marks a fresh chapter—an opportunity to refocus, explore new possibilities, and prepare to meet the changing needs of students. Educators lead this journey with dedication and impact, and we’re committed to supporting your work through innovative tools that help make learning more engaging and outcomes more meaningful. Together, we can elevate education and empower every student to participate in the opportunity of AI.

¹ Microsoft Learning Zone is available with a Copilot+ PC and Microsoft Education license (A1, A3, A5). Initial availability will be English only.

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