Senate committee approves two bills to expand educational opportunities in AI

Two bills designed to expand AI educational opportunities and train businesses on AI were passed this week by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

The National Science Foundation AI Education Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would increase educational opportunities to study artificial intelligence and quantum with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

It would authorize the agency to award undergraduate and graduate scholarships in AI, quantum hybrid, and quantum, including scholarships focused on the use of AI in agriculture, education and advanced manufacturing. Further, the bill would create fellowships for professional development for those already in the STEM and education workforce.

“Seattle has one of the nation’s highest growth rates for AI jobs and demand for AI expertise is already high and will continue to grow,” Cantwell said. “Our National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence Education Act 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.

The bill would require NSF to work with educators and academics to create guidance to introduce AI skills and education in K-12 classrooms and create Centers of Excellence at community colleges. It would also create grants for AI research, development and training in agriculture through Land-Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension Service.

The committee also approved the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act, to help small businesses leverage AI in their operations. It was also sponsored by Moran and Cantwell.

“Artificial intelligence is continuing to show it has tremendous potential to change industries around the world,” Moran said. “The NSF Education Act and the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act authorize federal investments in schools in Kansas and across the nation allowing them to provide AI training and education. These investments will also support small business owners who choose to use AI to help with finance management, marketing and other needs.”

The Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act would authorize the Department of Commerce (DOC) to work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create and distribute AI training resources to help small businesses leverage AI in their operations.

It would develop new training on how to use AI or emerging technologies to improve financial management and accounting, business planning and operations, marketing, supply chain management, government contracting and exporting. It also directs specific AI training for small businesses in rural and tribal communities, and small businesses involved in advanced manufacturing.

These bills now head to the full Senate for consideration.

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