USAO Receives $500,000 Grant to Launch AI-Powered Student Success Initiative
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma has been awarded a two-year, $500,000 grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to launch Bridging Pathways, a transformative initiative that will use artificial intelligence to enhance student success, improve institutional efficiency, and strengthen connections between education and workforce outcomes.
The initiative will support the strategic integration of AI tools and real-time labor market data, allowing students, families and educators to explore clear connections between academic programs, in-demand skills and career opportunities across Oklahoma’s workforce landscape. The project is funded through the OSRHE’s Innovations with AI Program, which supports projects that foster technological advancement across the state’s higher education system.
“In a rapidly changing world, the way students access, interpret, and apply knowledge must evolve just as swiftly,” said USAO President Kayla Hale. “Bridging Pathways represents a bold step forward by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to make education more transparent, relevant, and accessible. This initiative will empower students to see a clear and confident path from classroom to career.”
The project will include the development of a generative AI-optimized university website supported by an AI-powered conversational agent and embedded workforce analytics. This resource will provide continuous, personalized guidance and function as a 24/7 resource for students, families and K-12 partners.
The initiative is built on a collaborative model, partnering with local education leaders to strengthen the pipeline between high school, higher education, technical training and career pathways.
“This initiative will be especially valuable for students in arts-focused programs, who benefit from understanding how their creativity, critical thinking and communication skills align with evolving workforce needs,” said Jason Brown superintendent of Harding Fine Arts Academy. “I am confident that this project will serve as a model for how innovation and partnership can create new opportunities for students across our state.”
“This project represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen the bridge between K-12 education, higher education, and the workforce.” Said Rick Croslin, Superintendent of Chickasha Public Schools. “By using artificial intelligence and real-time labor market data, USAO will help students better understand how what they learn today connects to the skills and careers of tomorrow.”
The collaboration also extends to career and technical education, ensuring alignment across all educational sectors.
“By weaving artificial intelligence and workforce data into its digital systems, USAO is building the kind of infrastructure that helps students understand how every stage of their education – from high school to technical training to a university degree – fits together to create real career possibilities,” said Dr. Gayla Lutts, Superintendent and CEO of Canadian Valley Technology Center. “This vision aligns perfectly with our mission at CV Tech: prepare people to succeed through quality career and technical education programs and services.”
ABOUT USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362