Barney's effort to continue integrating AI into the classroom is a result of both its own initiative and its participation in the Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator program, known as TTA 3.0, which is administered by the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) and the New England Board of Higher Education. In partnership with the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), TTA 3.0 administers the Innovation Grant, which supports new partnerships, programs, and pathways established through the collaboration between higher education institutions and regional businesses. This is an ongoing strategy to boost economic competitiveness for the state's current and future workforce—which includes UHart’s own business students.
Last month, the University of Hartford was awarded a $71,130.40 TTA 3.0 Innovation Grant to support Barney’s AI in Business Pathways program. Led by Vicky Luo, associate professor of supply chain management, and Barney School Dean Aarti Ivanic, the project will work toward building an effective career-ready talent pool. The program will include many innovative components such as AI-centered coursework, targeted badges, graduate certificates or certifications, and real-world learning at partner workplaces.
"This grant provides an opportunity to build on micro-projects and to work in a systematic manner to examine how AI is being used in the business world," Luo explains. "It will prepare our students to be AI-fluent and to work and lead in today's rapidly evolving business environment."
"AI is reshaping many sectors of our economy, and Connecticut is ensuring our workers and students are prepared to lead in this new era," Governor Ned Lamont said at the time of the announcement. "By investing in AI education and workforce training through the Tech Talent Accelerator, we are strengthening our talent pipeline, supporting Connecticut businesses, and creating opportunities for everyone to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs."
Vicky Luo, Associate Dean of Academic Strategy, Barney School of BusinessThis grant provides an opportunity to build on micro-projects and to work in a systematic manner to examine how AI is being used in the business world. It will prepare our students to be AI-fluent and to work and lead in today's rapidly evolving business environment.
The three industry partners for the AI in Business Pathways program—Hartford Steam Boiler – A Munich Re company, Synchrony Bank, and Berkley Financial Specialists—have been developing projects that help students learn about AI while also identifying experts within their organizations who can share their perspectives and experiences with students. The fall 2026 semester will be an active period of exploration, preparation, and development to fully launch the AI in Business Pathways program.
"One important point is the strong emphasis on applied, hands-on learning throughout the Pathway," Luo adds. "Students will be able to build tangible artifacts, demonstrate what they have learned, and earn badges or other credentials that they can retain and use as evidence of their AI-related competencies. Another key feature is that the Pathway is designed for learners at different stages, from first-year undergraduate students to graduate students and working professionals. The goal is to create multiple entry points for developing, reskilling, and upskilling AI-in-business competencies across a learner's academic and professional journey."
Over the past few years, each incoming class at the Barney School has revealed more AI literacy than the class before, arriving on campus with more exposure to AI tools and concepts. This TTA grant will support further AI integration into the classroom. With increased skills for students, professors, and industry partners alike, that integration will be as seamless as it will be beneficial.