UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Commonwealth Campus faculty are invited to apply for two newly launched funding opportunities designed to enhance research, expand community partnerships and advance the university’s land-grant mission. Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campus Affairs (OVPCC), the program includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Discovery Initiative and a Community Impact and Engagement (CIE) Seed Funding Program.
“The rapid evolution of AI, combined with our deep commitment to serving communities across Pennsylvania, underscores the importance of investing in both emerging technologies and research that impacts society,” said Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and chair of the board. “These new programs will enable our faculty to develop new skills, explore innovative ways, and strengthen partnerships that benefit our campuses and the communities we serve.”
The deadline to apply for both programs is December 12th, and the funds will support activities that will take place from January 1st to June 30th, 2026.
AI Discovery Initiative
In conjunction with Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos’ leadership to further advance AI and position the university as a leader in the field, this OVPCC-sponsored initiative will help Commonwealth Campus faculty improve their skills, explore new methods, and integrate AI into their research and outreach efforts.
This initiative is open to faculty from all disciplines and requires no prior experience with AI. Projects may be exploratory, pilot-level, or advanced.
Faculty can submit proposals through one of two tracks:
Track 1: AI Faculty Fellowship
We will provide up to $3,000 to support faculty as they develop their AI skills and expertise. Fellowship funds may be used for AI-related professional development such as courses, workshops, conferences, and meetings.
Track 2: AI Discovery Seed Funding
We will provide up to $5,000 to support the integration of AI into your research or advocacy projects. Funding may be used for AI tools, pilot data collection, core facilities and services, or student assistant wages.
The AI Discovery Initiative’s complete submission requirements and criteria are available online.
Community Impact and Engagement Seed Funding Program
In line with President Neeli Bendapudi’s leadership of the National Coalition to Reimagine the Future of Public Impact Research, OVPCC established the CIE Seed Funding Program. The program focuses on expanding social impact, strengthening public engagement, and increasing community leadership in research priorities. Advances Penn State’s land grant mission by helping transform innovative ideas into concrete solutions that benefit the public. The proposed project must align with and contribute to the applicant’s broader research or support plans.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available. Faculty are encouraged to collaborate with local stakeholders such as nonprofits, schools, industry partners, civic groups, and local government leaders to identify urgent needs and co-develop impactful solutions.
Complete submission requirements and criteria for the CIE Seed Grant Program are available online.
