CSN Awarded Nearly $3 Million for NEXUS Initiative

A major investment is coming to CSN, and it could help reshape how students prepare for some of Nevada’s fastest-changing technology careers.

CSN has been selected for nearly $3 million in federal funding for the NEXUS Workforce Initiative: Nevada’s Emerging Workforce eXcellence through Upskilling and Student Success, a five-year project focused on strengthening Computing and Information Technology programs, expanding artificial intelligence education and connecting more students with high-wage careers.

The proposed project carries a total budget of $2,998,756 and will establish the NEXUS Center for Excellence, bringing together technology education, student support and industry engagement.

The initiative comes as Southern Nevada employers continue to need workers with skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing and data analytics. NEXUS is designed to help CSN respond by modernizing curriculum, creating more flexible pathways to credentials and strengthening the connection between what students learn and what employers need.

Among the plans outlined for NEXUS are the development of at least 12 AI-specific courses and nine pathways connecting noncredit training to college credit. The initiative also calls for a Faculty Fellows Program that will expand AI-focused professional development to 120 faculty members over the five-year grant period.

Students will also receive more direct support. Two dedicated NEXUS advisers are planned to provide proactive outreach and academic planning for students in Computing and Information Technology programs. New workforce dashboards will help CSN track student progress, employment outcomes and how well programs align with changing labor market needs.

The goals are ambitious and measurable. Over five years, CSN aims to improve first-to-second-year retention by 5 percent, increase three-year credential completion by 10 percent and increase verified employment placement in high-wage technology occupations to 40 percent. The project also aims to ensure 90 percent of students have access to advanced workforce training environments.

For the team behind the application, the award is also the culmination of an unusually fast and collaborative effort.

“It was an extremely tight turnaround for this grant,” said Clarissa Cota, vice president of External Relations and Campus Operations, noting that team members worked through weekends and scheduled leave to complete the application. “So exciting and look forward to working with all of you on this grant!”

Dr. Janna Bernstein Rogers, director of the Office of Sponsored Projects, called the award “an amazing win for our college” when sharing the news with the team.

President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein echoed that excitement, calling the project a “worthy and timely grant” and congratulating the team behind the effort.

The NEXUS initiative ultimately puts the focus where it matters most: helping students move from the classroom into careers in a technology landscape that is changing quickly. Through new courses, stronger pathways, faculty development, targeted advising and closer alignment with industry, the project is designed to give more Nevada students the skills and support they need to succeed in the state’s growing technology sector.