This bill establishes, or authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish, various scholarship, fellowship, and grant programs to promote education and professional development related to artificial intelligence (AI).
The bill authorizes NSF to award scholarships and fellowships to college students focusing their studies on AI. NSF may also support AI-related professional development fellowships for (1) students and faculty, (2) K-12 teachers and school professionals, and (3) industry professionals seeking short-term appointments to teach AI.
NSF must also establish up to eight centers of AI excellence at community colleges or area career and technical education schools. Designated centers must develop best practices for AI research and education, integrating AI into the classroom, and facilitating partnerships with the private sector, among other topics. This program must be administered in coordination with the Department of Commerce Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program.
NSF may make merit-based grants to eligible entities, including institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations, for research on AI teaching models, integration of AI in the classroom, and AI’s impact on educational outcomes for students through grade 12. Awards must be used to (1) prepare K-12 teachers to integrate AI into their classrooms; and (2) research, test, and implement AI-related instructional materials, teaching models, and professional development for teachers.
Finally, NSF may establish a pilot program through which regional cohorts will provide AI-related peer support, mentoring, and research experiences to K-12 teachers and school leaders.