The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation announced on Mar. 16 the recipients of its 2026 Faculty Innovation Fund, awarding grants to faculty members for projects aimed at improving student learning and modernizing curricula.
The Faculty Innovation Fund, established in 2023, provides up to $2,500 per project to support faculty in acquiring new resources and updating academic programs. The initiative is designed to directly benefit students by encouraging innovative teaching methods and curriculum enhancements.
This year’s grant recipients come from a range of academic fields and have proposed projects that seek to advance the student experience at CCRI. The college offers more than 200 degree and certificate programs, according to the official website.
Rosemary A. Costigan became the first alumna to serve as president of CCRI, according to the official website. Costigan also served as the sixth president of the institution. The college maintains campuses in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, and Newport, with additional education centers in Westerly and Woonsocket, as reported by the official website.
CCRI supports community development through initiatives such as the Rhode Island Promise program, which provides free tuition for recent high school graduates, according to the official website. The college also has agreements with over 120 universities for student transfers and emphasizes accessible higher education and career training for Rhode Islanders.
Looking ahead, CCRI continues its commitment to serving local communities by supporting faculty innovation and expanding opportunities for students across its multiple campuses.
