Macon, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) recently announced an award of $3.9 million in grant funds to Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) for support and enhancement of artificial intelligence (AI) teaching and learning tools.
By incorporating cutting-edge AI tools, AI-supported instructional practices, and AI-related content into high-impact academic programs, CGTC looks to set its academic programs in-line with the nation picture of AI advancement.
“Our Strengthening Technical Education Programs through Artificial Intelligence (STEP-AI) award will advance the understanding and use of artificial intelligence in education through a two-pronged approach: expanding the utilization of generative AI to enhance tutoring, advising, and college/career navigation for undergraduate students, while integrating machine learning into technician education pathways”, said Dr. Deborah Burks, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness at CGTC. “This strategic focus will prepare both traditional and dual-enrolled high school students for the converging technologies that define Industry 4.0.”
Burks added that the integration of AI technology will be further supported by comprehensive faculty professional development across all academic programs. Instructors in the manufacturing sector will have opportunities to secure professional-level certifications in AI and robotics from internationally recognized organizations, ensuring that students receive the highest quality education from well-equipped educators.
“The College is pleased to receive this award, which will allow us to further advance teaching and learning across all disciplines,” she said.
With the embrace of AI on the horizon, academic success, streamlined support services, and student demands for a rapidly evolving workforce are set to be met.
Allison Repzynski, the Executive Director for Library & Academic Support, and the grant’s project director, noted that the funds will make academic support an around-the-clock service.
“This award means student access to 24/7 academic support,” she said. “The platform it supports is monitored and secure, meaning students can interact with the latest in generative AI technology to simultaneously hone their AI skills and master their coursework.
Repzynski added that the grant will also enable the development of AI chatbots to support college navigation, course activities, and job readiness.
CGTC remains committed to fostering innovation, enhancing student success, and leading the way in technical education. This FIPSE award represents a crucial step toward equipping the next generation of learners with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex technological landscape.
The FIPSE award is part of the release of $169 million from the U.S. Department of Education toward high education institutions. Following the November competition announcement, the Department received a historic number of applications, which demonstrates its clear institutional desire to support innovation, civility, student success, and institutional accountability.
About Central Georgia Technical College
As one of the largest two-year colleges in the state, CGTC operates three campuses and five centers throughout central Georgia, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. CGTC is focused on connecting graduates to careers by offering quality education services, assuring a well -qualified workforce to support a healthy local economy. CGTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information about CGTC, visit www.centralgatech.edu. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralgatech), X (@CGTC), and Instagram (@centralgatech).