Announcing AI-Ready Spartans Education Innovation Grant Challenge

Apr. 14, 2026

Dear Spartans,

Today we proudly launch the AI-Ready Spartans: Education Innovation Grants Challenge, an institutional call to action inviting faculty and academic partners to design transformative learning experiences that prepare our graduates to lead in an AI-driven world. This initiative invites the academic community to submit educational proposals that both build on existing educational momentum and introduce new curricular innovations advancing not only technical fluency, but also the ethical judgment, creativity and adaptability required to apply AI across disciplines and professional contexts.
Aligned with Michigan State University’s strategic commitment to developing talent for an innovation-powered economy, this challenge will support faculty-led efforts that integrate AI competencies, real-world applications and responsible use into the student experience. Through three complementary categories we hope to promote scalable learning opportunities where every Spartan is equipped to engage AI thoughtfully, effectively and with purpose.

This work builds on a strong foundation. MSU already offers more than 30 courses related to artificial intelligence, and faculty across many disciplines have been advancing AI-focused teaching and research for years. In addition, the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation and other campus units have provided a wide range of educational opportunities to support the thoughtful integration of AI into teaching, learning, research and the daily work of the university.

AI Ready Spartans is one of several recent initiatives supporting MSU’s broader AI efforts. The MSU AI website brings together tools, guidance and real-world examples of how AI is being used across the community. It also includes the updated Guidelines for the Use of GenAI. These guidelines establish clear expectations for the ethical, responsible and transparent use of AI across educational, research, scholarly, artistic and administrative contexts. They reflect our commitment to innovation while safeguarding academic integrity, protecting sensitive data and promoting equitable access. The guidelines will continue to be reviewed and updated as technologies and best practices evolve.

Building on the energy and cross-campus collaboration sparked in 2025, the second annual MSU AI Summit will deepen and expand this vital institutional dialogue. Bringing together faculty, staff, librarians and graduate students, the summit will move beyond exploration toward action. The summit will create space for the MSU community to critically engage responsible innovation, showcase emerging practices and collaboratively shape the future of AI at a leading land-grant university committed to societal impact.

We encourage everyone to engage with the wide array of AI-related educational opportunities across campus and beyond, exploring diverse perspectives and critically examining both the intended and unintended impacts of these technologies. MSU has always thrived when bold innovation is guided by our core values and dedication to the public good. We invite every Spartan to approach this moment with curiosity, integrity and shared purpose, ensuring that AI strengthens human creativity, advances discovery and enhances the well-being of the communities we serve.

Go Green,

Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
President

Laura Lee McIntyre, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs