The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) has been named to the inaugural AI25 Companies & Organizations list by Ohio Tech News and OhioX, an honor recognizing 25 companies and organizations helping define Ohio's artificial intelligence economy.
In announcing OESCA's inclusion, Ohio Tech News highlighted the association's role as a key statewide delivery arm for AI education in Ohio through the strength of its member educational service centers. The publication specifically recognized OESCA's work with aiEDU to build teacher training, statewide summits, and a nine-part professional learning series for ESC staff and district AI champions across Ohio.
"We are honored to be recognized among the organizations helping shape Ohio's AI future," said Craig Burford, Executive Director, Ohio Educational Service Center Association. "This recognition reflects the leadership of Ohio's Educational Service Centers and the strong partnerships that are helping schools build AI literacy, readiness, and responsible implementation capacity in every part of the state."
According to the AI25 announcement, OESCA's statewide effort is designed to reach educators in all 88 counties, with professional development focused on AI literacy, readiness, privacy, and policy implementation. OESCA's AI Education Project further describes the initiative as a collaboration with aiEDU to establish a robust network of AI educators across Ohio's educational service centers and to build ESC and district educator capacity in support of AI readiness.
The AI25 recognition places OESCA alongside a diverse group of higher education institutions, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, startups, and major employers that are contributing to Ohio's growing AI ecosystem. The list was created to spotlight organizations making real-world AI impact across sectors including education, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and public service.
OESCA provides leadership, advocacy, professional learning, and support for Ohio's 51 educational service centers, which serve schools, educators, and students across the state. Through its AI-related professional learning and technical assistance efforts, OESCA and its members are helping translate statewide AI strategy into practical support that local educators and school leaders can use.
"OESCA and the statewide network of ESCs are unsung but essential players, helping turn AI policy into practice by training the educators who will shape how students experience the technology," the AI25 feature noted. “OESCA represents a critical link between innovation and implementation.”
For more information about the AI25 list, visit: https://www.ohiotechnews.com/ai25-companies-organizations-2026/
About OESCA
The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) provides leadership, advocacy, professional learning, and support for the 51 educational service centers that serve Ohio schools, educators, and students. OESCA works with partners across the state to strengthen educational capacity, expand access to high-quality services, and support effective implementation of emerging priorities, including artificial intelligence in K-12 education.