Jennifer Parnell Honored by the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools

Lawrenceville’s Director of Innovation and Student AI Projects Jennifer Parnell is the recipient of the 2026 Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS) Aspire Breakthrough Leader Award. The award celebrates those new to their role or independent schools who have already raised the bar.

According to ATLIS, Parnell has been honored “for redefining what student-centered AI leadership can look like in an independent school setting.” In just four years, she has evolved from a history teacher and residential faculty member to the school's leading voice on artificial intelligence, helping to shape strategy curriculum, governance, and community engagement. Parnell founded and chairs a groundbreaking Student AI Council, positioning student voice at the center of AI innovation.

“This recognition belongs to our students, who have approached this work with curiosity and imagination,” said Parnell. “I feel very fortunate to learn alongside them and to support their ideas as they take shape. Keeping student voices at the center of innovation provides opportunities for them to engage deeply and think creatively about the future.”

Under her leadership, students have developed predictive models and AI-driven tools that help solve problems across departments, including Admissions, Finance, Student Life, and Alumni Engagement. She has designed and taught one of the first generative AI courses at an independent school, advised national policy through the College Board's AP Educator Advisory Committee on Generative AI, presented to trustees and international school leaders, and guided students to present their work at major conferences. "An essential element of our vision is partnerships with alumni and parents in the AI field. Connecting students with ideas beyond Lawrenceville is vital,” Parnell explained.

Assistant Head of The Lawrenceville School Marquis Scott said, “This Aspire Breakthrough Leader Award reflects what Jenn has built here in a remarkably short time. She has established Lawrenceville as a genuine leader in student-centered AI innovation, and the ATLIS community's honor of her work speaks to the impact she is already having across our field. She has brought out the best in our students — who have met each opportunity with curiosity, leaned in as true thought partners, and risen to every moment she has placed before them."

ATLIS is a growing association of independent schools dedicated to empowering schools to thrive through technology leadership. Founded in 2014 to address the unique challenges of independent school technology directors, the organization has now expanded to support all aspects of technology at schools, ensuring that they are equipped for the future. Across all dimensions of its practice, ATLIS is also dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive association.

The recognition from ATLIS underscores Lawrenceville’s growing role in shaping how independent schools approach artificial intelligence — with an emphasis on thoughtful integration, student voice, and real-world application.

Listen to The Lawrenceville School Podcast 18:10 to hear about Parnell’s award-winning work. 

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.