Bradley Awarded $3 Million Federal Grant to Strengthen Student Success and Advance AI Learning

October 12, 2026

Bradley University has been awarded a $3 million federal grant as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP). The grant is designed to expand academic support, strengthen advising and accessibility services, and advance responsible use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. The multi-year initiative will help more students stay enrolled, succeed in their courses and complete their degrees.

The project combines proven approaches to student support with new tools and learning opportunities. Investments will include expanded Supplemental Instruction programs, improvements to advising, course redesign and AI-supported analytics to help identify students who may need additional support earlier in their academic journey.

“Every student who comes to Bradley brings goals, potential and a future they are working toward,” said Bradley President James Shadid. “This grant will help us strengthen the support that turns those ambitions into achievement. It is a meaningful investment in our students and in the Premier Student Experience we are building at Bradley.”

The initiative will use data to guide student success planning and improvements to first-year courses. It will also strengthen professional development for employees who support students, expand accessibility services and provide additional training related to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Our goal is to make it easier for students to get the right support at the right time,” said Dakota Horn, associate provost for academic excellence. “By connecting stronger advising, expanded academic support and thoughtful use of data, we can respond earlier when students encounter challenges and help them continue making progress toward graduation.”

AI literacy will be another central component of the project. Bradley will develop foundational programming aligned with the U.S. Department of Labor’s AI Literacy Framework and integrate AI concepts into first-year experiences and student success programming.

Students will build skills in responsible AI use, critically evaluating AI-generated content, developing effective prompts and recognizing misinformation. These opportunities will help prepare them to navigate emerging technologies in their coursework and future careers.

The grant will also support an AI Fellows Program, faculty learning communities and curriculum redesign. Faculty and staff will have professional development opportunities focused on ethical and effective uses of AI across academic disciplines.

“AI literacy includes knowing how to question an output, recognize its limitations and make responsible decisions about its use,” Horn said. “We want students, faculty and staff to have the knowledge and confidence to approach these technologies thoughtfully.”

Expected outcomes include stronger retention and degree completion, improved performance in courses supported by Supplemental Instruction, more effective advising, expanded accessibility services and greater AI literacy among students and employees.

The project is designed to establish sustainable practices that continue beyond the grant period, strengthening Bradley’s ability to support student achievement and prepare graduates for careers in high-demand fields.