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students and teacher outside a building in France do the Gator chomp
Students travel to France for this year's Simuvacation on AI
Thursday April 16, 2026
The experiential learning opportunity allows students to make real-world decisions about AI governance.
Headshot image of female standing with crossed arms.
University of Florida heads Florida K-12 AI Education Task Force
Monday March 30, 2026
UF is leading a novel effort to shape how artificial intelligence is integrated into Florida classrooms.
Young child sitting on the floor looking sad.
Bullying and peer victimization can trigger trauma symptoms in children, study finds
Wednesday March 25, 2026
Bullying and other forms of peer victimization can cause trauma symptoms in elementary school children, according to new research from the University of Florida.
Using shark teeth to teach Florida students about AI, UF educators showcase their methods at conference
Wednesday March 25, 2026
As AI becomes more prevalent in Florida classrooms, there is a growing need for students and educators to understand how to thoughtfully and responsibly use the technology. 
Dr. Sid Dobrin presenting
Professor Sid Dobrin helps lead national conversation on AI in higher education
Thursday October 23, 2025
Sid Dobrin, Ph.D., chair and professor of English and founding director of the Trace Innovation Initiative in the Department of English quickly became a sought-after voice for AI on the national stage. He has testified before the U.S. House Committee on Education & Workforce about the role of AI in higher education, urging institutions to focus not on fear but on transparency, documentation, and preparing students for workplaces where AI literacy and data security are now top priorities.
A photo of female researcher during presentation.
New AI tool matches students with high-impact internships
Wednesday September 24, 2025
University of Florida researchers have developed an AI-powered tool that helps students identify internships most likely to accelerate their technical and professional development.
Dr. Holly Lane
How a UF reading program is reaching classrooms worldwide
Tuesday August 26, 2025
For more than 25 years, Holly Lane, Ph.D., has been laser-focused on a global educational goal: to ensure that students worldwide have access to information about reading. Her passion project, known as the University of Florida Literacy Institute, or UFLI, has already improved the literacy skills of more than 10 million children.
The UF College of Nursing welcomed the Fall 2025 cohort of 226 students — the largest undergraduate class in the college’s history. (Photo by Betsy Brzezinski)
UF expands nursing enrollment to address state’s workforce shortages
Monday August 25, 2025
When University of Florida classes start Aug. 21, 85 new Bachelor of Science in Nursing students — 60% more than last year — will take their first steps toward becoming nurses. The 226-student undergraduate class marks the College of Nursing’s largest ever and underscores the college’s impact on the state’s nursing workforce, which has faced shortages since the early 2000s and continues to recover from deep losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism stock photo
As Florida tourism surges, UF trains students in AI-driven hospitality
Monday August 25, 2025
Florida welcomed 34.4 million visitors over the summer to theme parks, beaches and trending destinations, shattering tourism and hospitality records. To keep the pace, statewide businesses are increasingly looking to innovate, and turning to AI to deliver personalized, memorable experiences that exceed the expectations of today’s travelers.
A teacher in a classroom talking to students.
Back to school UF News stories
Tuesday August 19, 2025
From keeping students healthy during back-to-school season to preparing them for an AI-powered future, University of Florida experts are making an impact in classrooms across the state and beyond. These innovative efforts, from UF-led literacy and AI education initiatives to global teacher training and new approaches to AI in K–12, showcase how research and expertise are shaping the next generation of learning.
A female teacher sitting next to a student on a laptop helping her.
AI in the classroom: What parents need to know
Monday August 18, 2025
As students return to classrooms, Maya Israel, professor of educational technology and computer science education at the University of Florida, shares insights on best practices for AI use for students in K-12. 
A third-grade mini researcher helps develop the new AR Expeditions app
Third-grade ‘mini researchers’ at UF design AI-based app to improve Florida literacy
Thursday June 5, 2025
Most 8-year-olds spend their school days mastering multiplication, perusing prose and studying the solar system. But through a multi-disciplinary research project in UF’s College of Education, a handful of third-grade “mini researchers” are adding another skill to their academic repertoires: co-designing a mobile app called AR (Augmented Reality) Expeditions, which will launch this year, to inspire Florida elementary school students to read.
UF hosts AI in Education Fair, showcasing the future of learning
Monday June 2, 2025
More than 150 educators, administrators and tech innovators from across Florida convened at the University of Florida’s College of Education on June 10-11 for the AI in Education Fair.
UF students pose in front of castle in Wales
From Gainesville to Cardiff: building bridges through UF’s Wales study abroad program
Thursday May 1, 2025
A one-of-a-kind study abroad program for UF students gives students a chance to experience Welsh culture, history and legal practices firsthand.
Brandon Spikes
Building champions in the classroom, UF Online helps student-athletes thrive
Thursday April 24, 2025
Athletes are no strangers to discipline and perseverance — qualities that also drive success in higher education. And UF Online — with its flexible, high-quality degree programs — empowers current and former athletes to achieve their academic goals without putting their sports careers on hold.
UF Online students work with children at the P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School
To meet the demand for Florida teachers, UF launches new online elementary education program
Tuesday March 11, 2025
   
Medical student reading to elementary student
Florida medical students establish reading program with local elementary schools
Friday January 17, 2025
    
Headshot of Christina Cornwell
Trained in AI at UF, a Bradford County educator helps revolutionize Florida’s curriculum
Thursday January 16, 2025
Florida educator Christina Cornwell arrived in Santiago, Chile, last summer – more than 4,000 miles from home – surrounded by instructors from across the world who were interested in using AI in their classrooms.
Headshot of Emma Towler
Eighth-generation Floridian and UF student Emma Towler follows her passion for law
Tuesday November 12, 2024
Emma Towler – a soon-to-be double Gator and current second-year student at the University of Florida Levin College of Law – has loved the courtroom since she was young. It was during a fourth-grade field trip to the capital city of Tallahassee, when she took part in a mock trial at the Supreme Court of Florida and served as the chief justice, that solidified her passion for law.
young people in group holding up Vote buttons
Navigating political differences: The role of civil discourse in today's climate
Tuesday November 5, 2024
Course aims to equip students with tools to navigate discussion thoughtfully
external view of entrance to the University of Florida campus
Hamilton Center at the University of Florida announces two new majors
Tuesday October 29, 2024
The Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at UF has announced two new undergraduate majors: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law, and Great Books and Ideas 
photo illustration of hands on keyboard with locks floating
UF Engineering initiative eases pipeline to top-secret jobs
Thursday October 24, 2024
A new program eliminates security clearance times for Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering for Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering graduates
Girl using Kibeam wand
Boosting Florida literacy, UF and Kibeam Learning™ team up to give 50,000 more reading wands to young learners
Tuesday October 22, 2024
For children in first and second grade, they certainly do. To boost literacy for students in this age group, the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning has teamed up with Kibeam Learning™ to distribute 50,000 more Kibeam Wands™ to young readers.
A child plays an app on a tablet while sitting on the floor.
Serving students with disabilities, UF’s Google-funded program makes computer science education accessible for all
Wednesday October 2, 2024
Google partners with the CSEveryone Center for Computer Science Education to bolster new professional development program.
A teacher reading to elementary school students.
Addressing Florida’s teacher shortage, UF Online launches a new Early Childhood Education degree program
Monday September 30, 2024
Florida schools opened this fall with an estimated 5,000 unfilled teaching positions – proof that training new teachers is more crucial than ever in the Sunshine State. UF’s College of Education is meeting this challenge by offering a fully online program that helps equip current and future educators with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
close up of line of school lockers
UF empowers Florida school officials with data mining skills to enhance school safety
Thursday September 19, 2024
With growing national concerns about school safety, a groundbreaking initiative at the University of Florida is helping state school officials enhance safety measures by leveraging data.
photo compilation of American flag on computer screen
NSF-funded project helps veterans build skills in cybersecurity
Friday June 14, 2024
Faculty from the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and the College of Education are leading the program that teaches veterans in-demand skills in hardware security.
A young student sitting and reading a book.
Newly signed bill creates UF Lastinger Center for Learning statute and tutoring program
Friday May 10, 2024
School districts, educators and students will receive extra support from the University of Florida to improve student outcomes in early learning, literacy and math thanks to House Bill 1361.
Image of UF faculty member standing in front of screen providing training on school safety dashboard.
UF partners with Safe Schools For Alex to unveil enhanced school safety dashboard
Tuesday April 16, 2024
The most comprehensive school safety dashboard in the country is now available, thanks to a collaboration between the University of Florida and Safe Schools For Alex.
A headshot of author James Patterson holding a pen at a desk.
Author James Patterson launches transformational Literacy Classrooms
Wednesday March 27, 2024
Hundreds of James Patterson Literacy Classrooms will be launched across Florida and the nation in Fall 2024. These classrooms will provide teachers with the UF Literacy Institute’s Foundations curriculum and accompanying support from both the institute and the Lastinger Center for Learning.
A child lays on the ground of a library smiling while reading an open book
How parents can set children up for reading success
Monday March 11, 2024
A UF Health expert shares how to identify and address reading difficulties in children
UF Lastinger Center’s New Worlds Reading Initiative distributes 5 million books
Friday March 8, 2024
The legislatively funded program supplies books and other resources to children not yet reading on grade level.
A female instructor standing over two students sitting at computers.
UF ramps up computer science education for K-12 teachers
Thursday February 8, 2024
University of Florida researchers and educators are spearheading a transformative approach to computer science education, providing Florida teachers with the skills to prepare students for a world driven by technological innovations. 
Children use the Kibeam wand.
UF Lastinger Center for Learning partners with Kibeam Learning™ to improve literacy across the state
Thursday December 7, 2023
A new UF partnership is providing families in Florida with materials to boost literacy in a research pilot for children in first and second grade. 
students on floor in front of laptops
Transforming K-12 mathematics learning statewide, Accelerating undergraduate research
Wednesday December 6, 2023
Two projects taking shape in the College of Education will help 'change the way teach and learn in Florida.'
UF team seeks to double math learning through AI
Wednesday November 1, 2023
The University of Florida is thrilled to announce its participation in the Learning Engineering Virtual Institute (LEVI). LEVI selected a cohort of seven teams committed to harnessing the potential of AI and machine learning to enhance middle school math education. 
A person typing at a computer with an AI graphic on top.
Preparing Florida’s youth for ever evolving 21st century
Tuesday August 8, 2023
A UF-designed AI education program piloted last year in three Florida public schools was so successful that it will expand to 12 school districts beginning this month. 
UF to offer apprenticeship program that seeks to expand workforce education
Thursday April 6, 2023
The program is designed to provide the education and job training needed to be a successful community health worker, while preparing apprentices to become a certified community health worker in Florida. 
A cast iron pan with a pastry topping with the shape of pi cut out of it
Celebrate Pi Day with this kid-friendly activity
Tuesday March 14, 2023
A box of toothpicks is all you need to celebrate pi.
A father and son sit on a trail reading a guide.
UF partners with local and national agencies to offer interactive outdoor experiences for kids
Monday August 22, 2022
Track Trails, a network of family-friendly outdoor adventures that engage children with nature and promote healing and wellness,  offer interactive outdoor activities in Gainesville.
Two women using a computer with a young girl.
Hey Chatbot, tell me how kids can learn about AI
Tuesday August 9, 2022
AMBY, which stands for AI Made By You, was piloted this summer as a part of Camp DIALOGS, an NSF-funded project aimed at making AI and computer science more accessible, particularly for students in lower-income areas. 
A boy lays on a pillow while reading a book
New Worlds Reading Initiative reaches more than 100,000 Florida students in free book program
Tuesday March 29, 2022
Created to help approximately half a million Florida K-5 students read on grade level, the New Worlds Reading Initiative is a new, free book delivery program advancing literacy and a love of reading across the state.
A picture of a man
UF professor awarded federal funding for school safety data dashboard development
Monday March 14, 2022
The newly funded initiative will work to build on existing school safety dashboards to enhance the user experience, incorporate more frequent updates of data, glean actionable insights from analysis of the data and support school personnel on the use of the dashboard.
Florida Museum of Natural History's youth outreach coordinator Alberto López conducting a virtual summer camp.
iMuseum: The difficulty with distance learning during a pandemic
Thursday December 2, 2021
Distance learning, once a tool seldom used in museums, ballooned into the communication medium of choice virtually overnight. UF researchers examine this transformation in new research published in the Journal of Museum Education.
preschool kid thriving despite pandemic disruption by having some fun times with paint
Caregivers can help early learners thrive amid pandemic disruption
Tuesday June 1, 2021
To build learning into each day, the experts at the University of Florida’s College of Education focus on what they call the 3R’s of Early Learning: Relationships, Repetition, Routines.
tiny seedlings are being watered by watering cans, but the water is not reaching some of the plants
Even when they include them, gifted programs aren’t serving Black and low-income kids
Thursday April 22, 2021
After years of criticism for their lack of diversity, programs for high achievers may not be adequately serving their Black and low-income students, a new study shows.
During COVID, understanding why teachers quit matters more than ever. Here’s what schools can do.
Thursday August 6, 2020
New research into why teachers leave the profession could help schools avoid an exodus of instructors during the COVID-19.

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