AI Education Scholarships Promoted in Bipartisan Senate Bill

Oma Seddiq | Bloomberg

Education and career development opportunities in artificial intelligence would be bolstered under bipartisan legislation introduced Tuesday.

The Senate Commerce Committee’s top Democrat Maria Cantwell (Wash.) and panel member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) have teamed up on a measure that would authorize the National Science Foundation to award higher education students scholarships to study AI.

The initiative comes as the emerging technology is transforming industries from healthcare to finance, and policymakers are aiming to help train and prepare the future workforce. The Senate duo last month also introduced a bill to support small businesses with AI training.

“As the capabilities of AI increase, we must make certain the next generation can utilize its full potential, supporting a strong economy, building thriving communities and maintaining America’s global leadership,” Moran said in a statement. “This legislation takes an all-of-the-above approach that will provide critical opportunities to students from all across the country.”

The bill would allow NSF to provide scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in AI with a focus on its use in agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing.

It would also direct collaboration between NSF and the Department of Agriculture to provide grants for AI research and development training, create at least five “Centers of AI Excellence” at community colleges and vocational schools to support AI training, and establish NSF challenges to help educate workers on AI, among other provisions.