NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville Public Schools has announced a new partnership with Lumi Story AI, launching a district pilot designed to help students explore storytelling, creativity, and literacy through the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The pilot is supported by private philanthropic funding coordinated by PENCIL, which connects Nashville’s business and civic community with public schools. District leaders said the initiative aligns with their commitment to thoughtful innovation and the belief that technology should enhance—rather than replace—strong teaching and learning.
Lumi’s platform allows students to create characters, narratives, and visual stories while reinforcing literacy skills, critical thinking, and student voice. The pilot introduces AI as a creative support tool, helping students engage more deeply with reading and writing while maintaining ownership of their ideas and work.
“We want our students to approach artificial intelligence with confidence and curiosity, not fear,” said Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Nashville Public Schools. “This pilot allows students to use AI as a tool for creativity and communication, while reinforcing our strong literacy framework and our belief that every student’s voice matters.”
As part of the launch, Colin Kaepernick, CEO and founder of Lumi, visited schools across the district to demonstrate the technology and discuss how storytelling can empower young people.
“Storytelling has always been one of the most powerful ways people understand themselves and the world around them,” Kaepernick said. “Lumi is about giving students tools to tell their own stories, develop their creativity, and see technology as something that expands what’s possible rather than limiting it.”
The pilot will roll out in phases, beginning with a small group of students and educators to ensure alignment with district instructional priorities and responsible AI practices. Teachers will guide when and how the tool is used, with an emphasis on transparency, academic integrity, and critical evaluation of AI-generated content.
“PENCIL exists to help turn innovation into opportunity for students,” said Christiane Buggs, president and CEO of PENCIL. “By bringing together private donors, educators, and partners like Lumi, we can support new learning experiences that build creativity, literacy, and a sense of belonging for students across Nashville.”
District leaders emphasized that Lumi is intended to complement existing instruction, offering students additional ways to connect with what they read and write through narrative, voice, and visual expression.
“This is a strong example of how leaders from different industries and professional backgrounds can come together to enhance learning in our public schools,” Battle added.
Nashville Public Schools will evaluate the pilot’s impact on student engagement, literacy development, and creative expression as it considers possible expansion. Officials said the initiative reflects the district’s broader commitment to innovation grounded in strong instruction, equity, and student belonging.
Lumi Story AI was founded to help students build confidence in reading, writing, and sharing their stories. The company’s approach centers on storytelling as a pathway to literacy, creativity, and student engagement, with guidance from national leaders in education, equity, and learning sciences.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
