Edison State Awarded Grant for AI Integration

Edison State Community College is partnering with two Ohio community colleges, Clark State College and Southern State Community College, as a co-recipient of a $100,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s AI Integration in Community Colleges Grant Program. The grant, titled “Implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Competency into College Curriculum,” supports efforts to expand AI knowledge, workforce readiness, and educational innovation across participating institutions.

“Artificial intelligence is changing how we prepare students for successful careers,” said Edison State Provost Dr. Melissa A. Wertz, “and this grant will help equip faculty with the knowledge required to prepare our students for an increasingly AI-driven workforce.”

As part of the consortium, Edison State will focus on faculty professional development, helping instructors learn how to embed artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively into teaching and learning. Through a “teach-the-teacher” approach, faculty will receive training, resources, and hands-on experience relevant across disciplines and shared with students throughout the College.

This grant aligns with Edison State’s commitment to innovative teaching and student success. Faculty participants will build AI literacy, explore practical classroom applications, and develop strategies for incorporating AI while preserving academic integrity and high standards. The project will also support instructors who teach College Credit Plus courses, helping ensure that both college and CCP students understand how industries use artificial intelligence and develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven workforce.

“Our goal is to equip faculty with the knowledge and confidence to use AI in purposeful ways,” said Jessica Edwards, Edison State Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Innovation. “By developing faculty leaders who can share best practices with their colleagues, we’re creating a sustainable model for AI integration that benefits students across our service area, including those participating in College Credit Plus programs. As AI continues to reshape the workplace, students must understand not only how to use these tools effectively but also how to evaluate and apply them responsibly in their future careers.”

The grant will be implemented during the 2026-27 academic year and will support efforts to enhance teaching and learning. Participating institutions will share resources, outcomes, and best practices developed throughout the project.