By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Commerce Committee, recently announced the bipartisan NSF AI Education Act of 2024. This legislation aims to expand scholarship and professional development opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum fields with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The NSF AI Education Act would authorize the NSF to award undergraduate and graduate scholarships in AI, quantum hybrid, and quantum studies. These scholarships will focus on AI applications in agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, the act will create fellowships for professional development for those already in the STEM and education workforce. The NSF will work with educators and academics to introduce AI skills and education in K-12 classrooms and establish Centers of Excellence at community colleges. It also provides grants for AI research, development, and training in agriculture through Land-Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension Service.
“The emerging tech jobs of tomorrow are here today,” said Cantwell. “Demand for AI expertise is already high and will continue to grow. This bill will open doors to AI for students at all levels, and upskill our workforce to drive American tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and progress in solving the toughest global challenges.”
As Chair of the Commerce Committee, Sen. Cantwell will oversee legislation affecting the AI industry. Recently, she introduced the bipartisan Future of AI Innovation Act to maintain U.S. leadership in AI and other emerging technologies, building on her previous legislation that created the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).
Sen. Cantwell has been proactive in AI advocacy. Last summer, she hosted an AI Summit in Seattle, featuring two NAIAC members and showcasing AI ventures from regional small businesses and university programs. Earlier this year, she held a roundtable with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and tech leaders to discuss government-private sector collaboration in AI innovation. She also played a key role in the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, which directs the DOE and NSF to invest in key technology areas, including AI.
Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs at Microsoft, expressed strong support for the act.
“Microsoft is pleased to support the NSF AI Education Act of 2024, which is an important first step that will help support students, professionals, and institutions, including community colleges, prepare for and leverage the opportunities brought about by AI,” Humphries said. “We look forward to working with the Senate on future legislation as we continue to see the impact of AI across our nation’s education and workforce systems.”
Key Provisions of the Bipartisan NSF AI Education Act:
• Educational and Professional Development Opportunities: Authorizes NSF to award scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students to study AI, including its development, deployment, integration, or application. It also provides professional development for current educators and STEM workers, leveraging private sector support for these scholarships and fellowships.
• Quantum Education Support: Offers fellowships and scholarships for quantum information science, engineering, and technology, supporting breakthroughs in quantum research and education.
• AI in Agriculture: Propels AI research in agriculture to equip farmers with advanced tools for better crop production. Grants will be authorized for AI research and training in agriculture through Land-Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension Service.
• Community Colleges Leading AI Education: Establishes at least five community college and vocational school “Centers of AI Excellence” across the country, focusing on AI education and training, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Innovation in Workforce Education: Establishes NSF Grand Challenges to educate 1 million or more workers on AI by 2028. Supports creating an AI education and training framework that does not displace existing workers and helps underrepresented populations, such as women and rural residents.
• AI Resources for Classrooms: Instructs NSF to collaborate with educators to research and create publicly available guidance for using AI in classrooms, focusing on K-12, low-income, rural, and tribal students.
“The United States needs a skilled workforce to harness the potential of AI for a more prosperous future,” said Daniel Castro, Vice President of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. “Investing in AI education is crucial for nurturing homegrown talent and ensuring our nation remains competitive as this transformative technology continues to advance. This legislation is an important step forward in strengthening the STEM talent pipeline and empowering the next generation of AI pioneers.”
