Education Department Awards $5 Million to Digital Library Project

The Information Institute of Syracuse at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies recently received a $5 million grant and five-year contract from the U.S. Education Department to run the school’s Education Digital Library Initiative. The contract combines the work of the Institute’s The Gateway to Educational Materials (GEM) and The Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) projects. The new contract brings GEM (www.thegateway.org) and VRD (www.vrd.org) under the sponsorship of the Education Department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer.

The goal of the Education Digital Library Initiative is to enable educators, parents, students, researchers and policy makers to find the information they need from among a wealth of Internet resources. It will also help link information seekers with experts who can answer specific questions. Information Institute of Syracuse at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, (800) 464-9107, http://iis.syr.edu.

Featured

  • geometric pattern featuring interconnected circuit-like lines, neural network nodes, and abstract technology symbols

    Innovate Tech X Launches Certified AI Engineer Pathway Program for High School Students

    Tech training provider Innovate Tech X has introduced a new Certified AI Engineer Pathway Program designed to help high school students attain in-demand skills and certifications in artificial intelligence.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • laptop with an AI graphic, surrounded by books, a tablet, a smartphone with a graduation cap icon, a smart speaker, and a notebook with a brain illustration

    Michigan Virtual, aiEDU Partner to Expand AI Support for Teachers

    A new partnership between Michigan Virtual and the AI Education Project (aiEDU) aims to accelerate AI literacy and AI readiness across Michigan's K-12 schools.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Host of Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major cybersecurity advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.