02/06/2026
By Donna Mellen

You're invited to participate in an exciting grant-funded opportunity with the Career and AI Readiness while Remixing Open Textbooks through an Equity Lens (CA-ROTEL) grant! 

This initiative offers $2,500 stipends to UMass Lowell faculty.

Is this for you? Attend the CA-ROTEL Grant Information Session on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. to learn more! 

  • Are you interested in replacing traditional textbooks with open resources to reduce costs for students?
  • Would you like to incorporate AI tools and career aligned content into your curriculum?
  • No prior knowledge of open publishing, career readiness, or generative artificial intelligence (AI) is needed to participate in the grant.
  • If so, we encourage you to apply for a CA-ROTEL grant by March 20. The application takes just 10 minutes.
  • Team applications are highly encouraged—especially teams that include a Course Coordinator, each faculty member will receive a stipend.

As a CA-ROTEL participant, you will:

  • • Adopt an open textbook (e.g., OpenStax) and create customized ancillary materials.
    • Receive guided support in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and career focused content into your course.
    • Collaborate with other faculty in your department (optional).
    • Gain access to expert support in OER, accessibility, career readiness, and artificial intelligence with dedicated production teams.
    • Attend the Summer Blitz at UMass Lowell on June 2–4, 2026 (mandatory, includes $500 stipend and meals).
    • Work with the support and production teams as necessary to prepare materials for Academic Year 2026-2027.
    • Adopt the OER and your newly created ancillary materials in your course for at least one year.
    • By participating, you’ll help make education more affordable and accessible while preparing students for future careers shaped by emerging technologies.

Attend the CA-ROTEL Grant Information Session on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. to learn more! 

Grant applications open on Feb. 16.

Visit the CA-ROTEL website to learn more and complete the application form by March 20, 2026.

For questions, please feel free to reach out to Donna_Mellen@uml.edu.

CA-ROTEL is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The CA-ROTEL Project is a multi-year, grant-funded initiative supporting faculty at three Massachusetts public higher education institutions: UMass Lowell, Framingham State University, and Northern Essex Community College.