Clark State awarded $100,000 AI Grant

The Ohio Department of Higher Education’s AI Integration in Community Colleges Program has awarded Clark State College a $100,000 grant to prepare students and faculty for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in higher education and the workforce.

The grant will enable Clark State to provide leadership in the integration of AI literacy across the region, with partner institutions, with a focus on AI in general education courses including College Credit Plus-aligned courses, expanding faculty expertise and creating new workforce training opportunities. 

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we learn, work and solve problems,” said Adrienne Forgette, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs at Clark State. “This grant allows us to ensure our students and faculty are equipped with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively, ethically and responsibly while preparing graduates for the evolving workforce.”

As part of the project, Clark State will embed AI competency into several high-enrollment courses that are also frequently taken by College Credit Plus students including English composition, psychology, medical terminology and biology. The college will also develop a foundational AI literacy course that can be offered as workforce training for employers and community members.

Approximately 10 faculty members from Clark State will also earn the Certificate in AI for Higher Education through the Digital Education Council. The certification prepares faculty to integrate AI into teaching while emphasizing competent, efficient and ethical use of the technology in higher education.

Following the certification program, faculty will establish a Train-the-Trainer model, creating internal professional development opportunities that will expand AI knowledge across the institution.

To support instruction, Clark State will purchase 300 Nectir AI licenses to provide faculty with a secure, education-focused platform that integrates artificial intelligence into teaching and create course-specific learning assistants for students.

The project will conclude with professional development activities where faculty will exchange teaching materials, research and outcomes developed through the initiative.

The project aligns with Clark State’s strategic priorities to strengthen innovative academic programs while preparing students with workforce-ready skills in emerging technologies.

The grant period runs through June 30, 2027.