Concordia awarded federal grant to advance AI education, teaching innovation, and workforce readiness

Concordia College has received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. Over five years, the grant will support investments in artificial intelligence education, innovative teaching, classroom technology, and career-focused learning opportunities.  

With the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant, the college has launched ASCENT: Advancing Student Competencies through Emerging and Next-generation Technologies. The project's goals include the development of a new AI major, upgrades to classroom technology and STEM equipment, faculty professional development, development of career-readiness framework, and AI-enabled tools for tutoring and career advising. The project is underway and will run through September 2031.  

“Employers are looking for graduates who can adapt, solve problems, communicate effectively, and navigate new technologies,” said Dr. Susan Larson, provost and dean of the college. “One of our curricular goals is to help students understand when to use AI, when to question it, and how to bring the creativity, judgment, and ethical reasoning that technology cannot replace.” 

The grant will also enhance the vision of the college’s developing Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation. The center will support faculty professional development and help faculty explore effective teaching strategies and emerging educational technologies. The center will also provide guidance on responsible AI integration, Universal Design for Learning, and enhanced use of the college’s Learning Management System, with a goal to support student success and persistence.  

Through ASCENT, Concordia plans to redesign numerous courses to incorporate AI literacy and workforce readiness and engage at least 50% of faculty through professional development offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation. 

“Technology alone does not improve education,” Larson said. “Great teaching does. Through the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation, we'll help faculty thoughtfully incorporate new tools in ways that deepen learning, increase engagement, and better prepare students for life after Concordia.” 

The project also establishes measurable goals for increasing enrollment and improving retention and six-year graduation rates.  

Concordia is one of only two Minnesota institutions to have received the grant this year.  

The college is targeting fall 2027 for the launch of the proposed AI major.