AI-PREP4WORK: AI innovation center - preparing students and educators for AI-enabled workplaces

The Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education awarded Hillsborough Community College $1,293,344 on January 1, 2026, under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (CFDA 84.116) to establish an AI Innovation Center preparing students and educators for AI-enabled workplaces. The project runs through December 31, 2029, and is based in Tampa, Florida.

The AI-PREP4WORK initiative supports curriculum development and workforce training to integrate artificial intelligence education into community college programs, building student capability in advanced technology fields. Hillsborough Community College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, will deliver the center's activities as the prime recipient with no identified sub-recipients for this award.

The award is frontloaded to cover the full multi-year project period from a single appropriation, consistent with Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education practice. As a grant exceeding $750,000, the recipient is subject to single or program-specific audit requirements under 2 CFR 200, Subpart F.