Langston, Okla. – The School of Arts and Sciences at Langston University announced a major boost to its STEM programs after securing a five‑year, $2,249,925 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The award, part of the NSF’s Historically Black College and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU‑UP), will fund a new initiative called Advancing STEM Competencies and Enhancing New Discoveries with AI‑Assisted Learning Analytics (ASCEND).
AI‑assisted learning at the core of ASCEND
Dr. Franklin Fondjo Fotou, Acting Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, explained that ASCEND will employ artificial‑intelligence‑assisted learning analytics to sharpen students’ problem‑solving and scientific‑reasoning abilities. “This NSF‑funded project at Langston University advances STEM student success through an innovative AI‑assisted learning model that strengthens problem‑solving, scientific reasoning and retention,” Dr. Fotou said. “It expands STEM undergraduate academic support programs and interdisciplinary learning opportunities while building new resources for innovation and data visualization.”
Targeted support for foundational courses
The program will focus on high‑impact gateway courses—calculus, general chemistry and physics—where gaps in mathematics preparation and conceptual understanding often derail progress toward a degree. Using a strategy called Competency Performance Recording for Learning, students will record brief videos explaining how they solve problems and why their methods work. Faculty can then pinpoint misconceptions and deliver targeted feedback, a practice shown to improve retention and achievement.
Leadership and participation
ASCEND will be led by Dr. John Colman, a retired Langston University faculty member and former interim dean of the Schools of Arts and Sciences. Colman’s team estimates that roughly 480 students will participate over the five‑year grant period, which runs through August 31, 2031. The initiative aims not only to raise grades but also to broaden participation in STEM careers and graduate education for historically underrepresented students.
Community impact
Local leaders and educators praised the grant as a catalyst for economic and workforce development in central Oklahoma. By equipping students with stronger STEM competencies, Langston University positions itself as a pipeline for skilled workers in emerging industries, from advanced manufacturing to renewable energy. The university’s partnership with the NSF underscores the importance of federal support for HBCUs and the role of innovative technology in higher‑education success.
Looking ahead
As the ASCEND program gets underway, Langston University will share evidence‑based practices with other institutions seeking to replicate its AI‑driven model. The university hopes the data collected will inform statewide policy on STEM education and help other colleges improve student outcomes in critical technical fields.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
