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About the Grant Program

About the SUNY OER Impact and Innovative Instruction Technology Grants

The State University of New York (SUNY) administers a combined grant program that supports academic innovation, instructional technology, and the sustained use of Open Educational Resources (OER).

The Innovative Instruction Technology Grant (IITG) program has promoted research and fostered understanding of how new technologies support academic excellence and student success. Additionally, since 2017, New York State has provided $4 million annually to SUNY OER Services to support OER adoption, creation, and scaling across the SUNY system—helping students and families save more than $105.7 million through Fall 2024.

Combining Two Programs for Greater Impact

Beginning in 2024, the OER Impact Grants and IITG were combined into a single, coordinated program. This joint initiative leverages the strengths of both programs to fund projects that:

  • Advance the use of Open Educational Resources (OER)
  • Explore and apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) for teaching and learning
  • Promote innovative instructional technologies and pedagogical practices
  • Build SUNY-wide communities of practice and collaboration

Projects are awarded to individuals, groups, and campuses and are designed to scale innovation through structured activities, knowledge-sharing, and cross-institutional partnerships.

Program History

Open Educational Resources (OER) Impact Grants (2017–2023)

  • Supported large-scale OER adoption for high-enrollment and high-DFW courses
  • Funded the creation of open textbooks, adaptive courses, and ancillary materials
  • Provided professional development to support OER and open pedagogy
  • Evolved from initial baseline and per-student enrollment funding (2017–2018) to targeted sustainability projects, discipline-specific faculty development, and OER degree program development

Innovative Instruction Technology Grants (IITG)

  • Enhanced teaching and learning through affordable, innovative, and flexible education
  • Supported inclusive excellence and nontraditional learners to increase student completion
  • Developed and sustained communities of practice across SUNY
  • Extended teaching and learning environments through SUNY Online
  • Guided by the Innovative Instruction Research Council (IIRC) with representation from across the SUNY system and supported administratively by the SUNY Center for Professional Development

Current Combined Grant Program

The combined SUNY OER Impact and Innovative Instruction Technology Grant program continues to fund high-impact projects that drive academic innovation and improve student outcomes. By integrating the missions of both original programs, SUNY is able to more effectively coordinate resources, expand collaboration, and support transformative teaching and learning practices system-wide.