Academic Innovation Fund seeks proposals for new programs and credentials
The Office of the Provost is launching the fiscal year 2027 Academic Innovation Fund, or AIF, application cycle to support faculty and academic units in developing innovative academic offerings that respond to workforce needs, expand educational access and strengthen Kansas State University’s impact across Kansas and beyond.
The Academic Innovation Fund advances the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan and K-State Opportunity Agenda by helping transform promising ideas into sustainable academic offerings.
Eligible proposals for the fiscal year 2027 cycle include:
- New noncredit microcredentials
- New master’s degree programs
- New interdisciplinary undergraduate or graduate degree programs
- New interdisciplinary competency-based education degree programs
- New interdisciplinary reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs
The fund supports the development of new offerings and is not intended for programs that have already been fully developed. Any major academic unit may submit a proposal, including colleges, K-State Olathe, K-State Salina, K-State Libraries, the Graduate School and the Staley School of Leadership. Other university units are encouraged to partner with an eligible academic unit.
Priority will be given to proposals that:
- Address documented workforce, employer, industry, societal or learner needs
- Advance the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan and K-State Opportunity Agenda
- Introduce innovative approaches to curriculum, applied learning experiences, teaching, delivery or learner engagement
- Demonstrate strong potential for long-term financial sustainability and institutional value
- Include partnerships with business, industry, government or community organizations
- Expand K-State’s impact by serving new audiences or responding to emerging workforce opportunities
- Foster interdisciplinary or cross-college collaboration where appropriate
Noncredit microcredentials may receive $5,000 per award. Funding for new academic programs will be calculated at $3,500 per credit hour. Additional marketing support will be coordinated through the university’s marketing process after projects are approved.
Executive summaries are due Oct. 1. Selected applicants will be notified following the executive summary review in late October and invited to submit full proposals by Jan. 29, 2027. Final funding decisions are expected to be announced the week of March 29, 2027.
An Academic Innovation Fund informational webinar will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Faculty and staff interested in applying are encouraged to register for the webinar. A recording will be posted following the session.
For application materials, evaluation rubrics, eligibility requirements and the complete fiscal year 2027 timeline, visit the Academic Innovation Fund website. Questions may be directed to academicinnovation@k-state.edu.
— Submitted by Office of the Provost