Rockhurst University Receives $1.031 Million Federal Grant For AI, Tech Education

Rockhurst University will receive $1.031 million in federal Community Project Funding to help build new programs and facilities to educate future generations of tech and AI leaders in the Kansas City region.

House Resolution 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2026, was signed into law Jan. 23. In it is $10,318,000 in funding for projects in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District.

The grant funding will fund capital improvements and personnel to expand the University's tech-focused degree programs, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, information systems, computer science and financial analytics.

Rockhurst University leaders say growing these innovative programs is a strategic priority for the institution and builds on the prestigious reputation of the University's business programs. The University recently announced changes to its graduate business programs to reflect its integration of artificial intelligence and other emerging tech. In fall 2026, its Master of Science in Data Analytics degree will become the Master of Science in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, with both a programming-focused data science and AI and an applications and strategy-focused business analytics track; its data strategy and leadership graduate certificate will become the AI and tech strategy and leadership certificate; and the data science graduate certificate will become the data science & AI graduate certificate.

Building a comprehensive, innovative technology curriculum is also about strengthening the tech workforce in the Kansas City region. The University continues to partner with entities such as the Kansas City Area Development Council and the Kansas City Tech Council to develop degrees and certificates that consider present-day needs and long-term job growth trends for the region.

"We are grateful to have great partners in this effort to help meet the need for leaders in AI and cybersecurity in the Kansas City region and beyond," said Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., Rockhurst University president. "This is about workforce development, but also more broadly about economic development for Kansas City in the future. This is about helping our region grow."

According to the KC Tech Council, the Kansas City region is currently home to more than 3,800 tech employees, including one in every 10 workers in Kansas City. The U.S. Economic Development Administration designated the Kansas City region and the state of Missouri as "tech hubs" to foster innovation and enhance the tech landscape in the area. As the only private Association for the Advancement of College Schools of Business accredited institution in the Kansas City area with both traditional business and tech-focused programs that continue to earn national recognition, Rockhurst University is poised to lead the way in producing graduates who can lead these industries with confidence and conscience.

"Throughout our history, we have prided ourselves on producing thoughtful, forward-thinking leaders who have pushed the Kansas City community to greatness," said Myles Gartland, Ph.D., dean of Rockhurst University's College of Business and Technology. "We are grateful for this grant and excited to continue this next chapter of excellence in business and technology education."