U.S. Awards $169M In College Grants For AI In Classrooms, Civil Discourse, And Short-Term Job Training  

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education says it has awarded $169 million in new grants meant to shape what college looks like for students and families—supporting projects tied to artificial intelligence in teaching, campus civil discourse, accreditation reforms, and short-term workforce programs. 

The department announced the awards Monday under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, or FIPSE, and said it also made a supplemental award for its Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success program. Officials said the competition drew a “historic” number of applications after priorities were released in November. 

Examples provided by the department include a community college embedding AI tools and AI-supported instructional practices into high-demand programs such as nursing and information technology. Another project would develop courses on free expression and civil discourse and create an undergraduate credential in civic leadership, along with public debate programming. 

On accreditation, the department said funding will back emerging accreditors seeking federal recognition and help some universities switch accreditors—an area the department has framed as costly and burdensome for institutions. For families, accreditation can affect credit transfer, program reputation, and access to federal aid. 

For short-term programs, one example would build a Workforce Pell-aligned pathway to expand technician training in advanced manufacturing, automation, and battery production. Parents and students considering these options may want to ask whether new short programs qualify for aid, what credentials are earned, and what local employers are involved. 

When the priorities were first announced, some higher-education groups criticized the shift in how FIPSE dollars would be used. The department says the grants are aimed at innovation, student success, and workforce alignment. 

This article was produced by an education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.