Colin Kaepernick Teams Up With Nashville Schools for AI Storytelling Pilot

Former NFL star Colin Kaepernick has announced a new partnership with Nashville Public Schools through his tech company, Lumi Story AI.

The collaboration aims to launch a district-wide pilot program to help students explore storytelling, creativity, and literacy through artificial intelligence.

The pilot is made possible by private philanthropic support coordinated by PENCIL, the nonprofit that connects Nashville’s business and civic community with public schools. The initiative aligns with the district’s commitment to thoughtful innovation and its belief that technology should strengthen—not replace—strong teaching and learning.

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How The Program’s Pilot Phase Will Be Implemented

Lumi, which raised $4 million in 2024, allows students to develop characters, narratives, and visual stories while reinforcing literacy skills, critical thinking, and student voice. The pilot phase will introduce AI as a creative support tool, helping students engage more deeply with reading and writing while maintaining ownership of their ideas and work.

As part of the launch, Colin Kaepernick, CEO and founder of Lumi, visited schools across the district. He demonstrated the technology and shared his vision for how storytelling and creativity can empower young people.

“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,” said Kaepernick.

Lumi’s storytelling approach is designed to complement existing instruction. It offers students additional ways to connect with what they read and write through narrative, voice, and visual expression.

The pilot will be implemented in a phased approach, starting with a small group of students and educators. This ensures alignment with district instructional priorities and responsible AI expectations. Teachers will guide when and how the tool is used, emphasizing transparency, academic integrity, and the critical evaluation of AI-generated content.

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“We want our students to approach artificial intelligence with confidence and curiosity, not fear,”  Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle said. “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.”

Nashville Public Schools’ Commitment to Innovation

The initiative reflects Nashville Public Schools’ commitment to innovation grounded in strong instruction, equity, and student belonging. The district will evaluate the pilot’s impact on student engagement, literacy, and creative expression to inform future expansion plans.

Nashville education nonprofit Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership, or PENCIL, coordinated private funding for the pilot, linking business and civic leaders with public schools. 

“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 belonging for students across Nashville.”

Furthermore, the pilot program will teach students about transparency, academic integrity, and critical evaluation of AI-generated content. The scheme will launch with a small group of students and educators. Kaepernick has already visited Jones Elementary, McKissack Middle School, Whites Creek High School, and Antioch High School, according to The Tennessean.

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“This is a great example of how leaders from various industries and professional backgrounds can come together to enhance and support the learning experience in our public schools,” added Dr. Battle.