Redlands Unified teachers, students to have access to new AI tools through Google partnership

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands Unified School District has partnered with Google to introduce Gemini for Education across its campuses this school year, a move officials say will enhance classroom instruction and prepare students for a technology-driven future.

Why it matters: The partnership makes Redlands Unified one of the latest K–12 districts in the nation to formally integrate Google’s Gemini AI tools into classroom instruction. District leaders say the technology will help teachers save time on routine tasks, provide more individualized support for students, and bridge learning gaps.

What it means for students: With Gemini for Education, students will have access to on-demand academic support, personalized practice resources, and creative tools designed to foster exploration and problem-solving.

What it means for educators: Educators will be able to use Gemini to assist with lesson planning, differentiated content, assessment creation, and administrative tasks.

What they're saying: The Gemini rollout aligns with RUSD’s “EMPOWER” framework, which emphasizes innovation, equity, and opportunity for every learner.

“Adopting Gemini for Education aligns perfectly with our mission,” Superintendent Juan Cabral said in a statement. “Together with our EMPOWER Profile of a Graduate and RAISE Initiative, this partnership ensures that Redlands students are not only graduating, but graduating prepared—equipped with the confidence, skills, and curiosity to thrive in their future.”

According to Google, Gemini for Education offers data protections to ensure student privacy and security while expanding opportunities for collaboration and creativity in the classroom.

“We’re honored to help power technology that supports the Redlands Unified School District’s EMPOWER and RAISE initiatives,” said Steven Butschi, director of Google for Education Sales in North America. “Bringing Gemini into classrooms provides students and educators with AI tools that foster creativity, personalize learning, and prepare them for a future where technology is an integral part of their skillsets.”

National rollout of Gemini for Education

In mid-2025, Google expanded its AI tools for schools, making Gemini in Classroom available at no additional cost to all Google Workspace for Education editions. The update included more than 30 educator-focused features, such as help with rubrics, project brainstorming, refining content, and integrating assignments directly into Google Classroom.

At the ISTE 2025 conference, Google also confirmed that K–12 students and educators using Google Classroom and Workspace accounts would gain access to Gemini tools, including custom AI “agents,” previously unavailable to minors — marking a step toward more widespread adoption of AI in pre-college settings.

Research indicates that AI use in K–12 remains limited. As of fall 2023, only 18 percent of teachers reported using AI tools regularly in instruction. Among those who do, common uses include adapting instructional content and generating teaching materials.

Moving forward: Through the partnership, district leaders say Redlands Unified is positioning itself as an early adopter of AI in K–12 education—focused on innovation that remains student-centered and privacy-conscious.

For more information, visit www.redlandsusd.net or follow @RedlandsUSD on social media.