City University of New York (CUNY) AI Innovation Fund

City University of New York (CUNY) AI Innovation Fund is sponsored by City University of New York (CUNY). This systemwide grant program is designed to leverage AI for the advancement of teaching, research, and student success within CUNY. Program initiatives include micro-credentials and certificates, as well as efforts to combat food insecurity and enhance career readiness.

AI Academic Hub – The City University of New York Empowering the Future with AI at CUNY Leading Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact Our Vision is shaping the Future of Human-AI Powered Education. CUNY is at the forefront of AI-driven transformation in higher education. Our mission is to harness AI’s potential to empower learning, drive research, and foster innovation —ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

CUNY’s AI mission is built on three foundational pillars , each rooted in human-centered AI principles. Human-Centered AI – AI should augment, not replace, human intelligence. Equity & Inclusion – AI must be accessible, fair, and serve diverse learning needs.

Transparency & Explainability – AI systems should be clear, understandable, and accountable. Academic Integrity & Responsible Use – AI must uphold academic honesty and originality. AI Literacy for All – Faculty, students, and staff should understand AI’s strengths, limitations, and ethics.

Privacy & Data Protection (FERPA Compliance) – AI must protect student and faculty data. Trust, Safety & Reliability – AI should function safely, securely, and without bias. Innovation with Responsibility – AI should enhance education while ensuring ethical considerations lead technology.

Accountability & Oversight – AI systems must be monitored, assessed, and responsibly implemented. Continuous Improvement & Ethical AI Governance – AI policies should evolve with technology to align with ethical standards. Disclaimer: These guiding principles are a foundation for responsible AI use at CUNY and will evolve through ongoing collaboration and feedback.

AI-Ready Culture, Innovation, and Ethics CUNY is advancing AI education by ensuring students, faculty, and staff have the skills, resources, and ethical grounding to lead in an AI-driven world. AI Partnerships & Real-World Influence CUNY collaborates with global leaders, policymakers, and industries to scale AI’s transformative power and drive real-world solutions.

The AI Discovery Hub is a gateway to AI resources, research, and interactive learning opportunities designed to expand knowledge and engagement. AI-Ready Culture, Responsible AI, Research & Innovation. CUNY is committed to equipping students, faculty, and staff with the skills, tools, and knowledge required to navigate an AI-powered world confidently.

In the news: CUNY Awards $3 Million to Support More Than 100 Artificial Intelligence Initiatives CUNY AI Innovation Fund is part of Governor Hochul’s investments to advance AI use in education and research. Learn more. The CUNY AI Lab is a faculty- and staff-led initiative that develops and maintains AI tools for teaching, learning and research.

Learn more . Preparing People for an AI-Ready Culture Over 90% of students see AI changing their future. At CUNY, we’ve created over 170 carefully designed AI-focused courses , innovative programs, and groundbreaking research opportunities.

Everything you need is right here. Explore AI-One: CUNY AI for Everyone (Build Your AI Skills!) Teaching Matters Series on Generative AI (Unlock New Learning Tools!)

AI must be fair, transparent, and accountable . CUNY is a leader in developing responsible AI frameworks that prioritize ethical use. CUNY AI Ethics & Education Initiative (Launched in 2024, this initiative ensures AI serves students, faculty, and staff ethically.)

Federal AI Guidelines for Ethical AI in Education: Empowering Education Leaders (The Ultimate AI Toolkit!) Navigating Artificial Intelligence in Postsecondary Education Avoiding AI Bias (Ensure AI Works for Everyone!) Artificial Intelligence Guidance (Stay Ahead of the Curve!)

AI is reshaping industries, and CUNY is driving the change with cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration . AI at the Graduate Center Critical Inquiry into the Implications of AI for Teaching and Learning CUNY collaborates with industry leaders, research institutions, and policymakers to advance AI for societal good.

CUNY’s Largest AI Research Grant ($75M from Simons Foundation) CUNY AI Literacy and Professional Readiness Series Launched in February 2026 and supported by a grant from the CUNY AI Innovation Fund through the Office of Academic Innovation, the CUNY AI Literacy & Professional Readiness Series focuses on applied, ethical AI and career readiness.

It brings together students from Brooklyn College, across CUNY campuses and NYU Tandon through hands-on, industry-led sessions, supported by student leaders from both institutions who contribute to outreach, coordination and operations. Participants in the series earn a digital badge as part of a microcredential pathway designed to help students demonstrate AI readiness.

Events have included: An AI-powered professional branding workshop that reached 135 attendees across three sessions. Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work , which drew 118 in-person and online participants, led by Conor Greenan, a New York Times bestselling author and CEO and founder of AI Mindset.

AI in Business and Marketing , featuring IBM Technology Managing Director Hannah Frey, who discussed AI’s role in business functions such as HR, procurement and enterprise systems. Applying AI to Enterprise Consulting , a joint CUNY-NYU leadership session featuring Monks Vice President Matt Lentz, who explained how Fortune 500 companies are applying AI in enterprise consulting.

Upcoming events will feature new industry partners and speakers from venture capital, AdTech, enterprise consulting, and the Wharton School of Business. Led by Dr. Ngoc Cindy Pham, associate professor in the Murray Koppelman School of Business at Brooklyn College, the series is part of CUNY’s broader efforts in AI leadership development and workforce-focused AI literacy programming.

Building Bridges of Knowledge (BBK) The rapid expansion of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education. While AI tools can enhance learning and research, their misuse raises concerns about academic integrity and deepens existing inequities. Students at well-funded private institutions often have greater access to cutting-edge technology than their peers at public universities like CUNY.

This disparity can put CUNY students at a disadvantage, limiting their exposure to AI, their understanding of its ethical implications, and their future career prospects. To bridge this gap, Building Bridges of Knowledge (BBK ), a yearlong faculty fellowship program funded by the Lumina Foundation, launched in June 2024 with 30 CUNY faculty members (25 Fellows and 5 Disciplinary Leads).

Representing five key disciplinary areas—Humanities, STEM, Social Sciences, Education, and Health—these faculty members developed open educational resources (OERs) designed to help students engage with generative AI ethically, responsibly, and effectively.

After piloting these materials in Fall 2024 and revising them based on student feedback in January 2025, the Fellows and Leads are now prepared to share their work with CUNY colleagues and the broader academic community in Spring 2025. All BBK classroom materials are openly accessible OERs, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across higher education institutions.

By embedding discussions of AI ethics within discipline-specific and general education materials, BBK not only equips students with essential AI literacy but also ensures that diverse student voices, experiences, and concerns are at the forefront of AI education. As a result, this fellowship serves as a model for integrating ethical AI education into the higher ed landscape.

Demystifying Gen AI: A Hands-On Workshop for CUNY Students Generative AI is reshaping industries, and CUNY students are diving in. Over 600 students from 21 campuses expressed interest in Demystifying Gen AI , an interactive workshop series designed to provide a foundational understanding of AI—its possibilities, limitations, and real-world applications.

Developed in collaboration with the NY Jobs CEO Council and led by industry professionals from EY, JP Morgan, and Amazon, this series goes beyond the classroom. Over five weeks, students will not only explore AI concepts but also create their own AI-driven projects to present to experts.

This program is a testament to the power of industry-academic partnerships, ensuring that CUNY students have access to cutting-edge knowledge and opportunities. With AI becoming an essential skill across fields, Demystifying Gen AI equips students to take charge of their futures.

SXSW Panel Features CUNY, IBM, Google, NY Jobs CEO Council 2026 SXSW Panel: Rethinking Higher Education to Build an AI-first Workforce CUNY’s leadership in artificial intelligence and workforce development was showcased March 12, 2026, at South by Southwest (SXSW) EDU.

The event featured higher education, technology and workforce leaders exploring how cross-sector collaboration is reshaping higher education and expanding access to AI training, preparing students for an AI-driven economy.

Panelists included: Evan Silberman, interim senior university dean of academic innovation and chief academic technology officer, Office of Academic Affairs, City University of New York Lydia Logan, vice president, global education and workforce development, IBM Tequila Lamar, education engagement lead, Google.

org Kiersten Barnet, executive director, New York Jobs CEO Council The event reflects CUNY’s deep engagement with industry leaders, including its partnership with the New York Jobs CEO Council, which has helped connect 10,000 CUNY students to jobs with New York City’s largest private-sector employers. CUNY has also secured two $1 million grants from Google.

org to the CUNY Graduate Center to advance AI literacy initiatives in higher education. AI Has Joined the Faculty – Watch the recording CUNY led part of the conversation on AI in higher education at a virtual forum organized by The Chronicle of Higher Education, which took place on April 27. Watch a recording of the panel discussion.

Evan Silberman , senior university dean for academic innovation in the Office of Academic Affairs at CUNY, joined colleagues from the University of Missouri, Springfield College and Connecticut College to discuss how institutions are integrating AI into teaching, course design and policy, and what responsible, transparent and effective AI use can look like.

The discussion was hosted by Beth McMurtrie of The Chronicle of Higher Education. Your one-stop destination for AI education, tools, and hands-on learning. AI Learning Resources (For Faculty and Students) AI Webinar Playlist (Learn from AI Experts!)

Curie Platform – AI & Assessment Examples (See AI in Action!) Must-Have AI Resources (Policies & Future Trends) AI in Higher Education Compendium (35+ AI Case Studies!) AI Acceptable Use Policy (Guidelines for the Future!)

AI & The Future of Work Podcast (What’s Next in AI Careers?) Unlocking AI’s Potential – Infographic (12 Ways AI is Changing Higher Ed!) AI for Teaching & Faculty Development TeachAI (Explore AI-powered teaching tools!)

Alchemy AI & ChatGPT Resources (Curated AI resources for education and innovation!) CUNY does not endorse ChatGPT or any specific AI tools listed. Resources provided are informational and tool-agnostic.

AI Success Playbook: Pro Tips for Students, Faculty & Staff AI isn’t just technology—it’s a transformative force. Whether you’re a student gearing up for the future, a faculty member reimagining teaching, or a staff member streamlining workflows, these expert strategies will help you harness AI with purpose, responsibility, and impact.

For Students: Develop Your AI Skills Think Critically About AI – AI is a powerful assistant, but not always accurate. Cross-check information and refine AI outputs with your own insights. Use AI to Boost (Not Replace) Learning – Leverage ChatGPT for brainstorming, summarizing, and tutoring, but ensure your voice and analysis remain central .

Build AI-Resilient Skills – Creativity, ethical judgment, and problem-solving are skills AI can’t replace —focus on strengthening them. Stay Ahead of AI Trends – Explore AI-focused courses and industry tools through the AI-ONE . One vision.

One initiative. AI for everyone. Pro Tip: Master the Art of AI Prompting Better Prompts = Better Results – AI responds to how you ask.

Be clear, specific, and structured in your queries. Use Context & Constraints – Instead of asking, “Tell me about AI ethics,” refine it to “Summarize three key ethical concerns in AI for higher education and suggest best practices. ” Iterate & Experiment – If AI’s response isn’t useful, tweak your prompt.

Try different phrasing or add examples for clarity. Leverage AI for Deep Insights – Ask AI to provide different perspectives, synthesize data, or challenge assumptions—not just generate surface-level answers. For Faculty: AI-Enhanced Teaching & Research Integrate AI Thoughtfully – Use AI to foster critical discussions, personalized learning, and innovative research methodologies .

Encourage AI-Assisted Creativity – Design assignments that require students to evaluate and refine AI-generated content , rather than passively using it. Guide AI Use with Clarity – Establish responsible AI engagement in coursework. For Staff: AI for Efficiency & Innovation Experiment, Optimize, and Document AI is known for automating repetitive tasks.

Explore AI-driven solutions to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and improve productivity—while documenting best practices for continuous improvement. Use AI Thoughtfully – Use AI Thoughtfully to Support-Not Replace-Human Expertise Stay AI-Informed – Join AI literacy programs to enhance your AI skillset and contribute to CUNY’s AI-driven transformation.

Teaching Matters Series: Generative AI in Education What defines CUNY’s approach to AI? CUNY’s AI approach is bold, intentional, responsible, and equitable—designed to empower people, protect data, and drive real, measurable impact. What does AI really do, and what should we be mindful of?

AI is a powerful tool that analyzes data, identifies patterns, and generates insights, but its effectiveness depends on the quality of data it uses. That’s why critical thinking, transparency, and ethical use are essential. At CUNY, we encourage everyone to approach AI with care—question outputs, cross-check results, and fully understand the tool’s limitations.

Equally important is safeguarding personal information. When working with AI tools, avoid sharing sensitive or identifiable data. By prioritizing privacy and following responsible data practices, we ensure that AI use aligns with our values and protects everyone’s integrity.

For more information, you can refer to CUNY’s Data Governance and Information Security policies . How does CUNY ensure AI use aligns with data security and privacy policies? By integrating these policies into AI research, student support systems, and operational AI tools, we ensure AI is used in a secure, transparent, and accountable way—protecting users while enabling innovation.

You can find more information about CUNY’s policies here . Find out more information about CUNY’s policies What is CUNY’s AI strategy? CUNY’s AI strategy is purpose-driven, values-guided, and impact-focused.

Values and Governance: Our approach starts with ethics, equity, and transparency. With robust governance frameworks in place, CUNY ensures that AI adoption serves our community responsibly. Infrastructure for Responsible AI: CUNY invests in essential tools, policies, and institutional capabilities, ensuring AI solutions are secure, sustainable, and impactful.

Execution with Impact: CUNY’s AI strategy centers on five core pillars: Education: Integrating AI into curricula and preparing faculty to guide students toward future-ready careers. Workforce: Equipping students with AI skills, micro-credentials, and career pathways. Operations: Enhancing student services, streamlining processes, and supporting informed decision-making.

Research and Innovation: Driving groundbreaking discoveries, supporting entrepreneurship, and championing AI for social good. Partnerships: Collaborating with industry, government, and academic institutions to expand AI’s reach and impact. CUNY’s AI adoption is actionable, resilient, and designed to deliver meaningful social impact—on campus and beyond.

CUNY’s AI initiatives thrive through collaboration . Let’s work together to make AI more ethical, innovative, and impactful. Senior University Dean of Academic Innovation and Chief Academic Technology Officer Dr. Evan Silberman currently serves as the Senior University Dean of Academic Innovation and Chief Academic Technology Officer at the City University of New York (CUNY).

In this role, he leads strategic initiatives to enhance the University’s academic technology landscape, ensuring the effective integration and utilization of technological resources across CUNY’s diverse academic programs. Read the full bio Alice Wong serves as the Communications Assistant in the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost at The City University of New York (CUNY).

In this role, she supports the development and dissemination of internal and external communications, contributes to strategic initiatives, and assists with special projects that advance the University’s academic mission.

With over 16 years of experience at CUNY, Alice has provided high-level administrative, operational, and communications support to senior leadership, demonstrating strong skills in project management, strategic communications, and operational efficiency. Her work has supported key initiatives that promote the University’s growth and impact.

Prior to joining CUNY, Alice worked for a nonprofit teen magazine in New York City, where she gained valuable experience in marketing and editorial operations.

She collaborated closely with editors, conducted extensive research to support projects such as a grant-funded partnership with the Administration for Children Services (ACS) to assist foster youth aging out of the system, and provided marketing support to help enhance customer engagement and outreach. Alice holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Journalism from Baruch College.