NIC submits $4 million federal AI and robotics grant proposal
Posted: Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026
North Idaho College has submitted a $4 million federal grant proposal to expand the college’s capacity in artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced automation through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Special Projects program.
If funded, the proposal would significantly strengthen NIC’s instructional and workforce training infrastructure and advance several campus initiatives focused on emerging technologies. Planned investments include expanding hands-on AI programming, modernizing robotics and automation equipment, and further developing NIC X-Labs, the college’s applied learning and innovation strategy in which students work with emerging technologies using real-world applications.
“The United States becoming the leader in AI and robotics is a massive priority for the current administration and NIC is onboard and already ahead of the curve,” NIC President Nick Swayne said. “This investment would allow the college to scale that work and expand access to high-impact training opportunities across North Idaho.”
The proposal emphasizes increasing AI literacy for both students and educators across the region, strengthening instructional capacity, and embedding emerging technologies directly into curriculum and training programs aligned with regional workforce needs.
“The proposal reflects the commitment to ensuring North Idaho College is supporting students, employers and the long-term economic vitality of the region,” NIC Board Chair Tarie Zimmerman said. “Expanding capacity in AI and robotics aligns with our efforts to prepare the college and our community for the future.”
A key component of the proposal includes collaboration with the University of Idaho’s Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics, which would provide applied technical expertise in robotics and automation to support instructional alignment and hands-on learning opportunities.
“Lifelong learning is a pillar within North Idaho College’s mission and at NIC X-labs we are bringing people and ideas together, where applied learning makes an impact,” NIC Director of Innovation Marita Diffenbaugh said. “This grant will increase our capacity for design and implementation of AI education and educator preparation, equipping students, educators, and employers with access to relevant tools and training."
Funding announcements for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Special Projects program are expected by the end of the year.
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