LaGuardia Community College Receives $164,181 in CUNY A.I. Innovation Fund Awards
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (February 5, 2026) — Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping community colleges by updating programs to meet workforce needs, supporting students with more personalized guidance, and streamlining day-to-day operations.
With recent support from the City University of New York AI Innovation Fund, LaGuardia Community College/CUNY is making strides and bringing AI to various campus projects.
LaGuardia has been awarded $164,181 in competitive funding from the CUNY AI Innovation Fund, recognizing the College’s leadership in advancing ethical artificial intelligence (AI), innovative pedagogy, faculty-driven instructional transformation, and enhancement of student support services.
Following a review process led by CUNY’s Office of Academic Innovation Implementation, seven LaGuardia projects were selected for funding based on their potential to expand AI literacy, enhance teaching and learning, and support responsible AI use across the curriculum.
“These projects strengthen LaGuardia’s position as a leader in ethical, equity-focused AI education and demonstrate the college’s continued dedication to equipping students with the critical skills needed to navigate and influence an AI-driven future,” said Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College. “We commend our faculty and staff for their steadfast commitment and exceptional efforts.”
“These awards showcase the innovation and instructional leadership of our exceptional faculty and staff,” said Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By prioritizing ethical AI literacy, critical thinking, and practical application, these initiatives will strengthen our curriculum and promote student success across all levels.”
The awarded projects include:
First-Year AI Literacy Module for LaGuardia’s First Year Seminar
Principal Investigator: Andrea Irias, Esq., Associate Professor, Business and Technology
Award: $24,500
Student and Staff Workflow Support System
Principal Investigator: Chandana Mahadeswaraswamy, Senior Director, Career and Professional Programs and the Center for Contract Training, Continuing Education
Award: $21,441
Bridging the Gap: An Ethical AI Practicum for Incarcerated Correspondence
Principal Investigator: Dr. Cory Rowe, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Award: $24,000
AI and the Writing Process: Writing Center Workshop Series
Principal Investigator: Deirdre Flood, Lecturer, English
Award: $24,102
Developing LaGuardia’s Ethical, Equity-Centered AI Framework for Teaching, Learning, and Academic Integrity
Principal Investigator: Dr. J. Elizabeth Clark, Professor, English
Award: $24,938
Integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools in Nursing Education: A Pilot Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Shinhi Han, Professor, Health Sciences
Award: $20,200
‘Ask LaGuardia” AI Agent
Principal Investigator: Wayne Levy, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology
Award: $25,000
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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