Columbia State secures $2.02M grant to launch AI Division and scale AI literacy
Columbia State Community College has received a four-year, $2.02 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. The investment will launch a new AI Division and integrate practical AI skills across programs and student services.
The initiative-COMPASS (Community College Operational Model for Promoting AI Student Success)-positions Columbia State as the only community college in Tennessee to receive this award. The goal is straightforward: build institutional capacity for AI while preparing students for the jobs employers need filled now and next.
What the grant makes possible
- Launch of a dedicated AI Division at Columbia State
- Faculty training and the integration of AI tools across academic programs and student services
- Required AI literacy modules for 1,200+ first-year students each year
- Open-access resources and implementation guides so other community colleges can replicate the model
- Support for workforce readiness in partnership with regional employers
Why this matters for educators and HR leaders
AI literacy is now a baseline skill. For educators, this grant accelerates curriculum updates, faculty readiness, and student support built around actual tools used on the job. For HR and talent teams, it strengthens the pipeline of entry-level candidates who understand AI-driven workflows from day one.
This approach closes the skills gap in a practical way: more hands-on learning, clearer competencies, and resources other colleges can adopt without starting from scratch.
Leaders weigh in
"AI understanding and use are required for all fields or careers," President Janet F. Smith said. "This grant establishes us as an AI cutting-edge institution, integrating artificial intelligence throughout our curriculums and services."
"What we build here can serve as a model for community colleges nationwide," added Mehran Mostajir, dean of the Business and Technology Division and assistant professor of Engineering Systems Technology.
Patrick McElhiney, director of grants, emphasized the scope: "It gives us the opportunity to strengthen the college itself while supporting innovation in teaching, student support, and workforce preparation."
Nathan Zipper, chief economic development officer at Williamson, Inc., underscored the employer impact: "This investment in AI programming is a win for students, employers and our regional economy."
Who's involved
- Maury Alliance
- Williamson, Inc.
- Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
- Maury County Public Schools
- Williamson County Schools
- GM Spring Hill
- Tractor Supply Company
How employers and educators can plug in
- Align internships, apprenticeships, and capstones to AI-enabled roles and workflows
- Participate in advisory boards to shape high-demand competencies
- Leverage the forthcoming open-access resources to implement AI literacy at scale
- Upskill teams and faculty to ensure consistent adoption across departments
Learn more
Explore Columbia State's Business and Technology programs: columbiastate.edu/academics/business-and-technology. For inquiries, email BusTech@Columbiastate.edu.
If you're planning team upskilling by role, see curated AI course paths for HR, L&D, and operations: Complete AI Training - Courses by Job.
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