On August 1, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passed two bipartisan bills: the National Science Foundation AI Education Act and the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act. Both were introduced by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Maria Cantwell.
The NSF AI Education Act aims to expand educational opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum studies, with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF). It authorizes the NSF to award scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in AI, quantum hybrid, and quantum fields, including specialized scholarships for AI applications in agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing.
The bill also establishes fellowships for professional development for STEM and education professionals. In addition, it requires the NSF to collaborate with educators and academics to create guidelines for introducing AI education in K-12 classrooms and establish Centers of Excellence at community colleges. It also creates grants for AI research, development, and training in agriculture through Land-Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension Service. The bill was introduced on May 23, 2024.