NSF Unveils New Funding Initiatives to Propel AI Education and Strengthen the Future STEM Workforce

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has introduced two Dear Colleague Letters (DCL) and a program solicitation aimed at enhancing K-12 artificial intelligence (AI) education, aligning with the Trump administration’s executive order, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.” These initiatives focus on bolstering resources for AI teaching, improving teacher training, and utilizing AI tools to advance STEM education. NSF assistant director James L. Moore III emphasized the need for early exposure to AI, aiming to equip students for an AI-driven society. The DCL titled “Expanding K-12 Resources for AI Education” invites existing awardees to propose supplementary funding for AI-related educational efforts, while the “Expanding AI Career Opportunities” DCL focuses on providing high school students access to AI courses and certifications. Additionally, NSF’s STEM K-12 program will fund research to enhance STEM teaching through AI, fostering innovation and preparing the U.S. workforce for future challenges.

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