USI gets $150,000 grant to expand AI learning by 2026 students

LOCALUSI gets $150,000 grant to expand AI learning by 2026 studentsNida TazeenEvansville Courier & PressMarch 31, 2026, 4:01 a.m. CTThe University of Southern Indiana has received a $150,000 grant to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance student learning and workforce preparation.The grant, provided by Lilly Endowment Inc., will support a comprehensive assessment of how generative AI is currently used across USI's curricula and operations, according to a community announcement. The funding will also help identify opportunities to expand AI-related learning experiences for students.As AI continues to reshape industries and workplaces, the grant will help USI evaluate how students can best develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing environment. The planning effort will focus on strengthening curricula, improving teaching approaches and increasing AI fluency among faculty, staff and students."Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn and solve problems," said Shelly Blunt, USI provost. "This planning grant will enable the university to intentionally look at how we integrate AI into our academic programs and learning environments, preparing graduates not just to succeed, but to lead responsibly and ethically in an AI-driven workforce."University to assess AI use and workforce needsAs part of the project, USI will conduct an internal review of AI-related topics across academic programs and of how AI tools are currently used in teac...