Puerto Rico resident commissioner announces $2 million for AI education project at Atenas University

Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) announced $2,018,800 in federal funding for Atenas University Dr. María Luisa Hernández to support an institutional artificial intelligence initiative through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education – Special Projects program.

The funding was awarded through the United States Department of Education’s FIPSE-SP program, which supports innovative efforts to strengthen academic quality, access, and student success in postsecondary institutions.

According to Hernández, the investment aims to position Puerto Rico within emerging technological fields while expanding educational opportunities for students.

“Placing Puerto Rico at the forefront of artificial intelligence is one of my priorities,” Hernández said. “These federal funds are an investment in our students’ future, ensuring that technological innovation expands educational opportunities and prepares our workforce for the economy of tomorrow.”

The grant will support AI-IMPACT, an institutional project designed to integrate artificial intelligence into postsecondary education in a responsible, ethical, and practical manner. The initiative focuses on improving teaching methods, strengthening faculty preparation, and expanding opportunities for low-income students and residents of rural communities across Puerto Rico.

Through the project, Atenas University plans to modernize instruction using intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning tools, and AI-supported academic advising. The initiative also includes training for students and educators in digital literacy, misinformation detection, and ethical uses of emerging technologies.

In addition, the project will support the development of an institutional artificial intelligence governance framework and the creation of micro-credentials and certifications in artificial intelligence and computer science. These components are intended to establish a sustainable and replicable model that could be adopted by other postsecondary institutions in Puerto Rico.