Collaborative research: educateai: CUE-t: designing artificial intelligence curricula for all undergrads

The Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) received a $315,715 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Computer and Network Systems under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) program (CFDA 47.070) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. This collaborative research project, titled "EDUCATEAI: CUE-T: Designing Artificial Intelligence Curricula for All Undergrads," develops inclusive undergraduate artificial intelligence (AI) curricula designed to serve students across varying levels of computing experience and background knowledge. The project establishes five core design principles—zero-background entry point, non-programming options, discipline-specific applications, and pathways for deeper engagement—to ensure technical competency regardless of prior AI exposure.

The project delivers comprehensive curriculum development and evaluation services through a multi-institutional collaboration involving community colleges and four-year institutions with diverse resource levels and technological capabilities. KCTCS leads efforts to adapt AI programs to meet the needs of different institutional contexts while serving each institution's student population effectively. Project outputs include scalable AI educational programs, an evaluation framework to assess curriculum effectiveness, and evidence-based guidance for implementing AI literacy initiatives across varied institutional settings. These deliverables aim to expand access to AI education and build critical workforce competencies across the broadest possible undergraduate population, addressing national priorities for AI awareness and responsible adoption in the workforce.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is drastically changing how we approach problems and the ways we craft solutions. AI awareness and competency are critical for the next generation workforce to stay competitive in the global economy. Improved AI literacy also leads to more responsible use and adoption of AI in society. While many institutions have increased their offerings of AI and AI-related courses, IT is a challenge to ensure these are scalable and relevant for students who have had limited exposure or experiences in AI. To enable all institutions to better serve all students interested in AI, this iuse: CUE pathways project will develop undergraduate AI curricula that is appealing and approachable for students with a range of experiences in and knowledge of AI and computing technologies. The project will also be tested at community colleges and 4-year institutions with a range of resources, personnel, and access to technology to ensure wide adoptability across institution types. To design AI curricula that can appeal to all students so that every student interested in AI can have an opportunity to take AI courses, the project identifies five principles in the design that allow for technical competency regardless of the student?s background in AI or computing in general. These five principles include a zero-background entry point, a non-programming option, a discipline-specific application, and an invitation to go deeper. The collaboration among four institutions of different types explores how to adapt programs to the needs of different institutions while still serving each institution?s student population. The project develops a comprehensive evaluation plan that can be used to evaluate these principles and the programs created using them. The project is expected to reveal new ways to provide effective AI education to the widest possible population of undergraduate students. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.