Metro Nashville Public Schools launches AI storytelling pilot founded by Colin Kaepernick

CEO and founder of Lumi, Colin Kaepernick, visited schools across Nashville on Thursday to demonstrate the technology and his vision for it as part of the launch.

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Published: Jan. 23, 2026 at 2:42 PM CST

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Metro Nashville Public Schools announced that it will be rolling out a district pilot to allow students to “explore storytelling, creativity, and literacy” using artificial intelligence through Lumi Story AI.

The district is launching the pilot in partnership with PENCIL, which is a nonprofit that connects Nashville businesses and the civic community 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.”

MNPS said students will be able to develop visual stories, characters and narratives through the Lumi platform. It will also allow students to reinforce their literacy skills and critical thinking, the district said.

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

CEO and founder of Lumi, Colin Kaepernick, visited schools across the district on Thursday to demonstrate the technology and his vision for it as part of the launch.

“Storytelling has always been one of the most powerful ways people understand themselves and the world around them,” said Kaepernick. “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.”

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The district said the pilot will be rolled out in phases, starting with a small group of students and teachers to ensure it aligns with MNPS’s priorities and AI expectations.

“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.

The district said it would monitor and evaluate the pilot’s impact on student engagement, literacy and creative expression for consideration of future expansion.

More information about the district’s AI strategies and principles can be found here.