Implementation Project: Building Capacity in STEM Education and Research through Artificial Intelligence at the University of the Virgin Islands

Artificial intelligence is transforming science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, with distinct strides in innovation, research translation, and building a world-class STEM workforce. This project at the University of the Virgin Islands will prepare students and faculty for this transformation by integrating artificial intelligence across the curriculum, expanding undergraduate research and internship opportunities, and strengthening workforce preparation. Faculty will participate in a Professional Learning Community to develop and implement an artificial intelligence curriculum, while students will engage in artificial intelligence curriculum, research, internships, boot camps, and career development activities. The project is expected to strengthen students’ academic preparation, confidence, sense of belonging, and readiness for continued study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There is potential to uniquely impact the institution's research and learning environment, as well as prepare students for the STEM workforce, specifically with the integration of certification and micro-credentialing in artificial intelligence. The goals of the project include: 1) establishing a Professional Learning Community for faculty, 2) developing artificial intelligence modules and a certificate program for student success, 3) deploying an on-campus artificial intelligence server to support teaching and learning, and 4) expanding student research and industry partnerships. A mixed-methods educational research study will evaluate the impact of these activities on faculty capacity, student learning, artificial intelligence literacy, self-efficacy, and workforce readiness. Expected contributions include new knowledge on evidence-based instructional practices, open educational resources, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and a scalable model for integrating artificial intelligence into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The project will strengthen institutional capacity and create a sustainable model for artificial intelligence education that can be adapted by other institutions. The enhanced impact of AI-focused teaching, mentoring, and workforce experiences on STEM student learning, persistence, and career readiness will be established through evaluation and the educational research study while contributing to national knowledge on artificial intelligence education in STEM at The University of the Virgin Islands. This award is funded by the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP), through Implementation Projects, which supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based, innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students to pursue STEM graduate programs and/or careers. 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.