The Fund for Excellence and Innovation (FFEI) was established during the 2016 legislative session to focus on two primary activities: stimulate collabora­tions among public school divisions, community colleges and universities and to expand affordable student pathways; and pursue shared services and other efficiency initiatives at colleges and universities that lead to measurable cost reductions. 

In 2021, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV Council) approved a new statewide strategic plan, Pathways to Opportunity: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education. The Plan articulates a vision that by 2030 Virginia will be the “Best State for Education,” which the Commonwealth can achieve through progress on three broad goals: higher education that is (i) equitable; (ii) affordable; and (iii) transformative. 

FFEI grant competitions in Spring 2022 and Fall 2022 sought to support the goals of the then-new statewide strategic plan, focusing on its EQUITABLE goal; five awards were made (three in Spring; two, in Fall). The third competition in Fall 2023 focused on the plan’s TRANSFORMATIVE goal, supporting activities in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in the K-12 and higher education space.

For Fall 2024, SCHEV invites eligible institutions to apply for the fourth competition which may touch on multiple goals from the current Virginia Plan for Higher Education and will continue to focus on integrating artificial intelligence in accordance with Governor’s Executive Order 30 (2024) and the Guidelines for AI Integration throughout Education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This competition offers two distinct tracks as follows:

Track 1: Expand or enhance existing AI efforts between secondary and postsecondary education (and/or within postsecondary education) in AI-related student outreach, academic integration, labor-market alignment and/or shared services for institutions of higher education and/or K-12 institutions; assess the impact of the supported activities; and share the results. The goal will be furthering the readiness of current and future students for work and life involving artificial intelligence. 

Track 2: Procure new shared services and create a community of practice within Virginia postsecondary education (and/or between Virginia secondary and postsecondary education) to support the integration of AI in instructional and student support. This integration may include professional development to bridge gaps in expertise among faculty, student support services that provide AI training or AI tools and resources, stackable micro-credentials/micro-badging opportunities, ADA compliance activities and resources to align with the new Title II rule on the accessibility of web content and mobile applications provided by state and local governments, or other similar projects and initiatives.

$250,000 has been allocated to this grant competition and will be divided based on viability of submitted proposals. Applications are due by 11:59pm on December 11, 2024.

Review the full RFP for application instructions and additional details.

2024 Fund for Excellence and Innovation Call for Proposals (Revised October 31, 2024)

FFEI How to apply webinar 
FFEI Information session [pdf]

Brief summary on work accomplished through FFEI funds since 2018.

Questions: Taylor Clark, Associate of Strategic Planning and Policy Studies, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and Emily Salmon, Assistant Director of Strategic Planning & Policy Studies, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

Grantee/Applicant Resources
Budget Template
Timeline and Milestones Template
Amendment Request Form

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