[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4394 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 486
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4394
To support National Science Foundation education and professional
development relating to artificial intelligence.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 22, 2024
Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Moran) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
August 1, 2024
Reported by Ms. Cantwell, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To support National Science Foundation education and professional
development relating to artificial intelligence.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``NSF AI Education Act of
2024''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> In this Act:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Artificial intelligence; ai.--The term
``artificial intelligence'' or ``AI'' has the meaning given
such term in section 5002 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15
U.S.C. 9401).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Community college.--The term ``community
college'' has the meaning given the term ``junior or community
college'' in section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1058(f)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the
Director of the National Science Foundation.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Emerging research institution.--The term
``emerging research institution'' has the meaning given the
term in section 10002 of the Research and Development,
Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18901).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) EPSCoR institution.--The term ``EPSCoR
institution'' means an institution of higher education,
nonprofit organization, or other institution located in a
jurisdiction eligible to participate in the Established Program
to Stimulate Competitive Research under section 113 of the
National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42
U.S.C. 1862g).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) High school.--The term ``high school'' has the
meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) Historically black college and university.--
The term ``historically Black college and university'' has the
meaning given the term ``part B institution'' in section 322 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (9) Key emerging technologies.--The term ``key
emerging technologies'' means the technologies included in the
initial list of key technology focus areas set forth by section
10387(c) of the Research and Development, Competition, and
Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19107(c)), photonics, and
electronics.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (10) Labor organization.--The term ``labor
organization'' has the meaning given the term in section 2(5)
of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152(5)), except
that such term shall also include--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) any organization composed of labor
organizations, such as a labor union federation or a
State or municipal labor body; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) any organization that would be
included in the definition for such term under such
section 2(5) but for the fact that the organization
represents--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) individuals employed by the
United States, any wholly owned Government
corporation, any Federal Reserve Bank, or any
State or political subdivision
thereof;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) individuals employed by
persons subject to the Railway Labor Act (45
U.S.C. 151 et seq.); or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) individuals employed as
agricultural laborers.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (11) Minority-serving institution.--The term
``minority-serving institution'' has the meaning given the term
in section 10002 of the Research and Development, Competition,
and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18901).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (12) National laboratory.--The term ``National
Laboratory'' has the meaning given that term in section 2 of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (13) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit
organization'' means an organization which is described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (14) Quantum hybrid computing.--The term ``quantum
hybrid computing'' means the use of quantum computing in
conjunction with classical computing.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (15) Quantum information science.--The term
``quantum information science'' means the use of the laws of
quantum physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation,
computing, or measurement of information.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (16) Rural-located institution of higher
education.--The term ``rural-located institution of higher
education'' means an institution of higher education that is
located in or near areas that are not classified as urban by
the Census Bureau.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (17) Rural-serving institution of higher
education.--The term ``rural-serving institution of higher
education'' means an institution of higher education that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) primarily serves areas that are not
classified as urban by the Census Bureau; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) offers degrees that are unique and
helpful to rural regions that are not classified as
urban by the Census Bureau.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (18) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer
science.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (19) Tribal college or university.--The term
``Tribal College or University'' has the meaning given the term
in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059c(b)).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 3. UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
EDUCATION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Scholarships Related to AI or Quantum Hybrid
Computing.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Director shall award merit-
or need-based scholarships to undergraduate students at
institutions of higher education in order to enable such
students to study--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the development, deployment,
integration, or application of artificial intelligence;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) quantum hybrid computing.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under
paragraph (1) shall be in the form of annual grant awards for a
4-year period in amounts that cover the cost of tuition,
education-related fees, and a stipend. Such scholarships shall
be paid directly to the institution of higher education in
which the student is enrolled.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Scholarships Related to AI and Agriculture.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Director shall award merit-
or need-based scholarships to undergraduate students at
institutions of higher education in order to enable such
students to study--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) artificial intelligence and
agriculture; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the integration of artificial
intelligence into agricultural operations, prediction,
and decision making.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Priority.--In awarding scholarships under this
subsection, the Director shall give preference to students who
are attending rural-located institutions of higher education,
rural-serving institutions of higher education, or Tribal
Colleges or Universities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under
paragraph (1) shall be in the form of annual grant awards for a
4-year period in amounts that cover the cost of tuition,
education-related fees, and a stipend. Such scholarships shall
be paid directly to the institution of higher education in
which the student is enrolled.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Scholarships Related to AI and Education.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Director shall award merit-
or need-based scholarships to undergraduate students at
institutions of higher education in order to enable such
students to study the teaching of artificial intelligence and
artificial intelligence skills at elementary schools, secondary
schools, career and technical education schools, institutions
of higher education, or through other higher education and
professional education programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under
paragraph (1) shall be in the form of annual grant awards for a
4-year period that cover the cost of tuition, education-related
fees, and a stipend. Such scholarships shall be paid directly
to the institution of higher education in which the student is
enrolled.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Scholarships Related to AI and Advanced
Manufacturing.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Director shall award merit-
or need-based scholarships to undergraduate students at
institutions of higher education in order to enable such
students to study--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) artificial intelligence and advanced
manufacturing; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the integration of artificial
intelligence into advanced manufacturing
operations.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under
paragraph (1) shall be in the form of annual grant awards for a
4-year period that cover the cost of tuition, education-related
fees, and a stipend. Such scholarships shall be paid directly
to the institution of higher education in which the student is
enrolled.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Method.--The Director may carry out this section by
making awards through new or existing programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 4. GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE EDUCATION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Graduate Scholarships Related to AI or Quantum Hybrid
Computing.--The Director shall award merit- or need-based scholarships
to graduate students at institutions of higher education in order to
enable such students to study--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) the development, deployment, integration, or
application of artificial intelligence; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) quantum hybrid computing.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Scholarships Related to AI and Agriculture.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Director shall award merit-
or need-based scholarships to graduate students at institutions
of higher education in order to enable such students to study--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) artificial intelligence and
agriculture; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the integration of artificial
intelligence into agricultural operations, prediction,
and decisionmaking.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Priority.--In awarding scholarships under this
subsection, the Director shall give preference to students who
are attending rural-located institutions of higher education,
rural-serving institutions of higher education, or Tribal
Colleges or Universities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Graduate Scholarships Related to AI and Education.--
The Director shall award merit- or need-based scholarships to graduate
students at institutions of higher education in order to enable such
students to study the teaching of artificial intelligence and
artificial intelligence skills at elementary schools, secondary
schools, career and technical education schools, institutions of higher
education, or through other higher education and professional education
programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Graduate Scholarships Related to AI and Advanced
Manufacturing.--The Director shall award merit- or need-based
scholarships to graduate students at institutions of higher education
in order to enable such students to study--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) artificial intelligence and advanced
manufacturing; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) the integration of artificial intelligence
into advanced manufacturing operations.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under this section
shall be in the form of annual grant awards for a 3-year period that
cover the cost of tuition, education-related fees, and a stipend. Such
scholarships shall be paid directly to the institution of higher
education in which the student is enrolled.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Method.--The Director may carry out this section by
making awards through new or existing programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 5. NSF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FELLOWSHIPS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Director shall establish a program to
promote the exchange of ideas and encourage collaborations between
institutions of higher education and industry partners in the fields of
artificial intelligence and key emerging technologies, including
through fellowships for students and industry professionals.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Fellowships.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Director shall award merit-
based fellowships for professionals for professional
development programs in STEM fields or the field of education
that are administered by or affiliated with institutions of
higher education, in order to enable fellowship recipients to
attain skills or training on--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the development, deployment,
integration, or application of artificial
intelligence;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) prompt engineering; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) quantum hybrid computing.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Fellowship awards.--Awards under this
subsection shall be in the form of one annual award that covers
the cost of tuition, education-related fees, and a stipend.
Such awards shall be paid directly to the institution of higher
education that administers, or that is affiliated with, the
program in which the fellowship recipient is
participating.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 6. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING FOR LAND-GRANT
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting
through the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
in collaboration with the Director of the National Science Foundation,
shall award grants to land-grant colleges and universities (as defined
in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) for artificial
intelligence in agriculture.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Use of Funds.--A grant awarded under this section may
be used for--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) research and development on the use of
artificial intelligence in agriculture or the integration of
artificial intelligence into agricultural operations,
predictions, and decision making;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) the dissemination of educational resources for
artificial intelligence in rural areas; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) artificial intelligence tools for
agriculture.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 7. QUANTUM FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Director may establish or use
existing programs to support fellowships and scholarships for students
at institutions of higher education for the purpose of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) increasing quantum information science,
engineering, and technology exposure for undergraduate and
graduate STEM students; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) increasing post-graduation employment
opportunities for STEM students who demonstrate potential to
pursue careers in quantum information science, engineering, and
technology, or fields that support the quantum
industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Requirements.--Eligible participants in the fellowship
and scholarship program shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) be enrolled in or have graduated from a STEM
degree program at a domestic institution of higher education;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) have taken at least one quantum-science or
quantum-relevant course as part of their degree
programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Considerations.--Eligible fellowships and scholarships
may include temporary quantum-related positions at State or Federal
agencies, National Laboratories, private sector entities, institutions
of higher education, or other quantum-relevant entities, as determined
appropriate by the Director.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Competitive Awards.--Fellowships and scholarships
shall be competitively awarded through a merit-review process. The
Director may prioritize fellowships that include an industry partner
that provides financial assistance to the applicant for direct or
indirect costs.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 8. NSF OUTREACH CAMPAIGN.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Director shall carry out a nationwide
outreach campaign to students at elementary schools, secondary schools,
career and technical education schools, institutions of higher
education, or through other higher education and professional education
programs to increase awareness about AI or quantum education
opportunities at the National Science Foundation.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Priority.--In carrying out such campaign, the Director
shall prioritize outreach to underserved and rural areas.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 9. COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOL CENTERS OF AI
EXCELLENCE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Area career and technical education school.--
The term ``area career and technical education school'' has the
meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins
Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
2302).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Eligible applicant.--The term ``eligible
applicant'' means a community college, vocational school, or
area career and technical education school, in partnership with
1 or more of the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) A Federal, State, local, or Tribal
government entity.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) An institution of higher
education.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) An entity in private
industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) An economic development organization
or venture development organization.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) A labor organization.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) A nonprofit organization.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Venture development organization.--The term
``venture development organization'' has the meaning given the
term in section 27(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3722(a)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Vocational school.--The term ``vocational
school'' has the meaning given the term ``postsecondary
vocational institution'' in section 102(c) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Establishment of Centers of AI Excellence.--The
Director, in coordination with the Regional Technology Hubs program at
the Department of Commerce and the Regional Innovation Engines program
at the National Science Foundation, shall choose not less than 5
regionally and geographically diverse eligible applicants to be
designated as Community College and Vocational School Centers of AI
Excellence (referred to in this section as ``Centers of AI
Excellence'').</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) EPSCoR State Participation.--Not less than 20 percent
of designated Community College and Vocational School Centers of AI
Excellence shall be eligible applicants that are located in a State
jurisdiction eligible to participate in the National Science
Foundation's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
under section 113 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act
of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Application.--An eligible applicant that desires to be
designated as a Center of AI Excellence shall submit an application to
the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Director may reasonably require. Such application
shall specify a focus area for the Center of AI Excellence, which may
be any of the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) AI education and training related to
agriculture.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) AI education and training related to
manufacturing.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) AI education.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) AI education and training related to another
focus area as specified by the eligible applicant.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Activities.--A designated Center of AI Excellence
shall develop and disseminate information about best practices for--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) artificial intelligence research and education
at community colleges and area career and technical education
schools;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) methods to scale up successful programs that
perform research or provide education on artificial
intelligence at community colleges and area career and
technical education schools;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) providing hands-on research opportunities on
artificial intelligence and learning opportunities for students
that are enabled through artificial intelligence; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) identifying pathways for students to jobs that
are enabled by artificial intelligence.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 10. AWARD PROGRAM FOR RESEARCH ON AI IN
EDUCATION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible
entity'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) an institution of higher education;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) a nonprofit organization; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) a consortium of 1 or more institution of
higher education or a nonprofit organization and 1 or more
private entities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Program Authorized.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Director shall make awards,
on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to eligible entities,
to enable the eligible entities to promote research on teaching
models, tools, and materials for artificial intelligence and
integration with other key emerging technologies, such as
quantum information science and technologies and photonics,
with a focus on teaching and learning for kindergarten through
grade 12 students who are from low-income, rural, or Tribal
populations.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Method.--The Director may carry out this
section by making awards through new or existing
programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Application.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--An eligible entity that desires
to receive an award under this section shall submit an
application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Director may
require.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Contents.--An application described in
paragraph (1) shall include--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) a description of the student
demographics on which the research supported under the
award intends to focus;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) a description of any regional
partnerships the eligible entity plans to utilize to
carry out the award;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) with respect to an application that
concerns the use or integration of artificial
intelligence, a description of potential ethical
concerns and implications of teacher and student
interactions with artificial intelligence
systems;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) a description of how the research on
teaching models, tools, and materials were developed in
consultation with other educators, academia, industry,
and civil society organizations; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) such other information as the Director
may require.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Use of Award Funds.--An eligible entity that receives
an award under this section shall carry out a program described in
subsection (b)(1) that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) emphasizes preparing incoming teachers to
integrate artificial intelligence, key emerging technologies,
and computational thinking into their classrooms in innovative
ways; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) supports research to develop, pilot, fully
implement, or test areas, such as--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) instructional materials and high-
quality learning opportunities for teaching artificial
intelligence and key emerging technologies;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) models for the preparation of new
teachers who will teach artificial intelligence and key
emerging technologies;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) scalable models of professional
development and ongoing support for teachers;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) tools and models for teaching and
learning aimed at supporting student success and
inclusion in artificial intelligence and key emerging
technologies across diverse populations, including low-
income, rural, and Tribal populations.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 11. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE RESOURCES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) an elementary school or secondary
school, as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
8101);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) an institution of higher education,
including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) an emerging research
institution;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) an EPSCoR
institution;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) a minority-serving
institution;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) a historically Black college
or university;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) a Tribal College or
University; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (vi) a community college;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) a technical and vocational
school.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Technical and vocational school.--The term
``technical and vocational school'' has the meaning given the
term ``area career and technical school'' in section 3 of the
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2302).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Awards Authorized.--The Director shall make awards to
eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to provide or
increase access to artificial intelligence tools and applications to
the students and researchers served by the eligible entities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Preference.--In making awards under subsection (b),
the Director shall give preference to eligible entities that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) expand the geographic diversity of funded
entities; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) are emerging research institutions, EPSCoR
institutions, minority-serving institutions, historically Black
colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities,
community colleges, or technical and vocational
schools.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 12. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION NATIONAL STEM TEACHERS
CORPS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 10311(c)(6) of the Research and Development,
Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18991(c)(6)) is amended--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(H) incorporating artificial
intelligence skills development into the priorities of
the National STEM Teacher Corps, including prioritizing
the development of artificial intelligence best
practices for high school teachers, created in
consultation with other educators and
academia.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 13. GUIDANCE FOR THE INTRODUCTION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE IN PREKINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE
12.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director, in coordination with the Secretary
of Education, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy, shall develop and make publicly available guidance for the
introduction and use of artificial intelligence in prekindergarten
through grade 12 classrooms.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Considerations.--The guidance required under
subsection (a) shall include--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) considerations for--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the use of artificial intelligence in
prekindergarten through grade 12 classrooms in rural
areas and economically distressed areas; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the differing applications of
artificial intelligence in STEM and the liberal arts;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) a description of how the guidance was
developed in consultation with educators, academia, industry,
and civil society organizations.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 14. NSF GRAND CHALLENGES RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE EDUCATION AND TRAINING.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Grand Challenge.--The term ``grand challenge'' means a
prize competition under section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) In General.--The Director, in coordination with the
Secretaries of Labor and Education, shall support grand challenges to
stimulate innovation regarding--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) how to train 1,000,000 or more workers,
including educators, technical and vocational workers, and
professionals, in the United States by 2028 in areas related to
the creation, deployment, or use of artificial intelligence,
such as foundational knowledge, critical thinking, programming
skills, machine learning, or deep learning;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) how to overcome barriers in the development of
the artificial intelligence education and training;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) methods and strategies for creating artificial
intelligence education and training that does not displace
workers, including teachers, in the workforce;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) ways to increase the number of women who
receive artificial intelligence education and training;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) how to ensure rural areas of the United States
are able to benefit from artificial intelligence education and
training.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 15. GIFT AUTHORITY.</DELETED>
<DELETED> In carrying out this Act, the Director may receive and use
funds donated by others, including receipt and use of donations from
private entities to fund scholarships and fellowships authorized under
this Act.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``NSF AI Education Act of 2024''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) ESEA terms.--The terms ``educational service agency'',
``elementary school'', ``high school'', ``local educational
agency'', ``secondary school'', ``State educational agency'',
and ``universal design for learning'' have the meaning given
those terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(2) Artificial intelligence; ai.--The term ``artificial
intelligence'' or ``AI'' has the meaning given such term in
section 5002 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C.
9401).
(3) Community college.--The term ``community college''
means--
(A) an institution that is a junior or community
college, as such term is defined in section 312(f) of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058(f));
(B) a degree-granting public institution of higher
education at which--
(i) the highest degree awarded is an
associate degree; or
(ii) an associate degree is the most
frequently awarded degree;
(C) an eligible Tribal College or University; or
(D) a branch campus of a four-year public
institution of higher education, if, at such branch
campus--
(i) the highest degree awarded is an
associate degree; or
(ii) an associate degree is the most
frequently awarded degree.
(4) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(5) Emerging research institution.--The term ``emerging
research institution'' has the meaning given the term in
section 10002 of the Research and Development, Competition, and
Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18901).
(6) EPSCoR institution.--The term ``EPSCoR institution''
means an institution of higher education, nonprofit
organization, or other institution located in a jurisdiction
eligible to participate in the Established Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research under section 113 of the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g).
(7) Foreign country of concern.--The term ``foreign country
of concern'' means a country that is a covered nation, as
defined in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code.
(8) Foreign entity of concern.--The term ``foreign entity
of concern'' has the meaning given the term in section 10612 of
the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act
(42 U.S.C. 19221).
(9) Historically black college and university.--The term
``historically Black college and university'' has the meaning
given the term ``part B institution'' in section 322 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).
(10) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(11) Key emerging technologies.--The term ``key emerging
technologies'' means the technologies included in the initial
list of key technology focus areas set forth by section
10387(c) of the Research and Development, Competition, and
Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19107(c)), photonics, and
electronics.
(12) Labor organization.--The term ``labor organization''
has the meaning given the term in section 2(5) of the National
Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152(5)).
(13) Minority-serving institution.--The term ``minority-
serving institution'' means an institution defined in any of
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(14) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory''
has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(15) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit
organization'' means an organization which is described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.
(16) Quantum hybrid computing.--The term ``quantum hybrid
computing'' means the use of quantum computing in conjunction
with classical computing.
(17) Quantum information science.--The term ``quantum
information science'' means the use of the laws of quantum
physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, computing,
or measurement of information.
(18) Rural-located institution of higher education.--The
term ``rural-located institution of higher education'' means an
institution of higher education that is located in or near
areas that are not classified as urban by the Census Bureau.
(19) Rural-serving institution of higher education.--The
term ``rural-serving institution of higher education'' means an
institution of higher education that--
(A) primarily serves areas that are not classified
as urban by the Census Bureau; and
(B) offers degrees that are unique and helpful to
rural regions that are not classified as urban by the
Census Bureau.
(20) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics, including computer science.
(21) Tribal college or university.--The term ``Tribal
College or University'' has the meaning given the term in
section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1059c(b)).
SEC. 3. UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
EDUCATION.
(a) Scholarships Related to AI or Quantum Hybrid Computing.--
(1) In general.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall
award merit- or need-based scholarships to undergraduate
students at institutions of higher education in order to enable
such students to study--
(A) the development, deployment, integration, or
application of artificial intelligence; or
(B) quantum hybrid computing.
(2) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under paragraph (1)
shall be in the form of annual grant awards for not more than a
4-year period in amounts that cover the cost of tuition,
education-related fees, and a stipend. Such scholarships shall
be paid directly to the institution of higher education in
which the student is enrolled.
(b) Scholarships Related to AI and Agriculture.--
(1) In general.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall
award merit- or need-based scholarships to undergraduate
students at institutions of higher education in order to enable
such students to study--
(A) artificial intelligence and agriculture; or
(B) the integration of artificial intelligence into
agricultural operations, prediction, and
decisionmaking.
(2) Priority.--In awarding scholarships under this
subsection, the Director shall give preference to students who
are attending rural-located institutions of higher education,
rural-serving institutions of higher education, Tribal Colleges
or Universities, or minority-serving institutions (including
historically Black colleges and universities).
(3) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under paragraph (1)
shall be in the form of annual grant awards for not more than a
4-year period in amounts that cover the cost of tuition,
education-related fees, and a stipend. Such scholarships shall
be paid directly to the institution of higher education in
which the student is enrolled.
(c) Scholarships Related to AI and Education.--
(1) In general.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall
award merit- or need-based scholarships to undergraduate
students at institutions of higher education in order to enable
such students to study the teaching of artificial intelligence
and artificial intelligence skills at elementary schools,
secondary schools, career and technical education schools,
institutions of higher education, or through other higher
education and professional education programs.
(2) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under paragraph (1)
shall be in the form of annual grant awards for not more than a
4-year period that cover the cost of tuition, education-related
fees, and a stipend. Such scholarships shall be paid directly
to the institution of higher education in which the student is
enrolled.
(d) Scholarships Related to AI and Advanced Manufacturing.--
(1) In general.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall
award merit- or need-based scholarships to undergraduate
students at institutions of higher education in order to enable
such students to study--
(A) artificial intelligence and advanced
manufacturing; or
(B) the integration of artificial intelligence into
advanced manufacturing operations.
(2) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under paragraph (1)
shall be in the form of annual grant awards for a 4-year period
that cover the cost of tuition, education-related fees, and a
stipend. Such scholarships shall be paid directly to the
institution of higher education in which the student is
enrolled.
(e) Method.--The Director may carry out this section by making
awards through new or existing programs.
SEC. 4. GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EDUCATION.
(a) Graduate Scholarships Related to AI or Quantum Hybrid
Computing.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall award merit- or
need-based scholarships to graduate students at institutions of higher
education in order to enable such students to study--
(1) the development, deployment, integration, or
application of artificial intelligence; or
(2) quantum hybrid computing.
(b) Scholarships Related to AI and Agriculture.--
(1) In general.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall
award merit- or need-based scholarships to graduate students at
institutions of higher education in order to enable such
students to study--
(A) artificial intelligence and agriculture; or
(B) the integration of artificial intelligence into
agricultural operations, prediction, and
decisionmaking.
(2) Priority.--In awarding scholarships under this
subsection, the Director shall give preference to students who
are attending rural-located institutions of higher education,
rural-serving institutions of higher education, Tribal Colleges
or Universities, or minority-serving institutions (including
historically Black colleges and universities).
(c) Graduate Scholarships Related to AI and Education.--Subject to
section 15, the Director shall award merit- or need-based scholarships
to graduate students at institutions of higher education in order to
enable such students to study the teaching of artificial intelligence
and artificial intelligence skills at elementary schools, secondary
schools, career and technical education schools, institutions of higher
education, or through other higher education and professional education
programs.
(d) Graduate Scholarships Related to AI and Advanced
Manufacturing.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall award merit-
or need-based scholarships to graduate students at institutions of
higher education in order to enable such students to study--
(1) artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing; or
(2) the integration of artificial intelligence into
advanced manufacturing operations.
(e) Scholarships.--Scholarships awarded under this section shall be
in the form of annual grant awards for not more than a 3-year period
that cover the cost of tuition, education-related fees, and a stipend.
Such scholarships shall be paid directly to the institution of higher
education in which the student is enrolled.
(f) Method.--The Director may carry out this section by making
awards through new or existing programs.
SEC. 5. NSF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FELLOWSHIPS.
(a) In General.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall
establish a program to promote the exchange of ideas and encourage
collaborations between institutions of higher education and industry
partners in the fields of artificial intelligence and key emerging
technologies, including through fellowships for students, teachers,
faculty at institutions of higher education, and industry
professionals.
(b) Fellowships.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall award merit-based
fellowships for professionals for professional development
programs in STEM fields or the field of education that are
administered by or affiliated with institutions of higher
education, in order to enable fellowship recipients to attain
skills or training in AI-related subjects, including--
(A) the development, deployment, integration, or
application of artificial intelligence;
(B) prompt engineering; or
(C) quantum hybrid computing.
(2) Fellowship awards.--Awards under this subsection shall
be in the form of one annual award that covers the cost of
tuition, education-related fees, and a stipend. Such awards
shall be paid directly to the institution of higher education
that administers, or that is affiliated with, the program in
which the fellowship recipient is participating.
(c) Application.--An applicant for a fellowship under this section
shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.
The Director shall set minimum standards for participation in the
fellowship program established under this section.
(d) Method.--The Director may carry out this section through new or
existing programs.
SEC. 6. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING FOR LAND-GRANT COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES.
(a) In General.--Subject to section 15, the Secretary of
Agriculture, acting through the Director of the National Institute of
Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Director of the
National Science Foundation, shall award grants to land-grant colleges
and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3103)) for artificial intelligence in agriculture.
(b) Use of Funds.--A grant awarded under this section may be used
for--
(1) research and development on the use of artificial
intelligence in agriculture or the integration of artificial
intelligence into agricultural operations, predictions, and
decision making;
(2) the dissemination of educational resources for
artificial intelligence in rural areas; and
(3) acquisition and deployment of artificial intelligence
tools for agriculture.
(c) Method.--The Director may carry out this section through new or
existing programs.
SEC. 7. QUANTUM FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS.
(a) In General.--The Director may establish or use existing
programs to support fellowships and scholarships for students at
institutions of higher education for the purpose of--
(1) increasing quantum information science, engineering,
and technology exposure for undergraduate and graduate STEM
students; and
(2) increasing post-graduation employment opportunities for
STEM students who demonstrate interest in pursuing careers in
quantum information science, engineering, and technology, or
fields that support the quantum industry.
(b) Requirement.--Eligible participants in the fellowship and
scholarship program shall be enrolled in or have graduated from a STEM
degree program at an institution of higher education.
(c) Considerations.--Eligible fellowships and scholarships may
include temporary quantum-related positions at State or Federal
agencies, National Laboratories, private sector entities, institutions
of higher education, or other quantum-relevant entities, as determined
appropriate by the Director.
(d) Competitive Awards.--Fellowships and scholarships shall be
competitively awarded through a merit-review process. The Director may
prioritize fellowships that include an industry partner that provides
financial assistance to the applicant for direct or indirect costs.
(e) Fellows in Federal Agencies Subject to OMB Ethics
Requirements.--An individual participating in a fellowship with an
assignment at a Federal agency shall be subject to the ethics
requirements prescribed by the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget that apply to an employee of such agency.
(f) Method.--The Director may carry out this section through new or
existing programs.
SEC. 8. NSF OUTREACH CAMPAIGN.
(a) In General.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall carry
out a nationwide outreach campaign to students, teachers, principals,
and other school leaders at elementary schools, secondary schools,
career and technical education schools, institutions of higher
education, or through other higher education and professional education
programs to increase awareness about AI or quantum education
opportunities at the National Science Foundation.
(b) Priority.--In carrying out such campaign, the Director shall
prioritize outreach to underserved and rural areas.
(c) Method.--The Director may carry out this section through new or
existing programs.
SEC. 9. COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOL CENTERS OF AI
EXCELLENCE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Area career and technical education school.--The term
``area career and technical education school'' has the meaning
given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
(2) Eligible applicant.--The term ``eligible applicant''
means a community college, vocational school, or area career
and technical education school in partnership with 1 or more of
the following:
(A) A Federal, State, local, or Tribal government
entity.
(B) An institution of higher education.
(C) An entity in private industry.
(D) An economic development organization or venture
development organization.
(E) A labor organization or a nonprofit
organization if such organization partners with an
entity described in any of subparagraphs (A) through
(D).
(3) Venture development organization.--The term ``venture
development organization'' has the meaning given the term in
section 27(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3722(a)).
(4) Vocational school.--The term ``vocational school'' has
the meaning given the term ``postsecondary vocational
institution'' in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c)).
(b) Establishment of Centers of AI Excellence.--Subject to section
15, the Director, in coordination with the Regional Technology Hubs
program at the Department of Commerce and the Regional Innovation
Engines program at the National Science Foundation, shall choose not
less than 5 regionally and geographically diverse eligible applicants
to be designated as Community College and Vocational School Centers of
AI Excellence (referred to in this section as ``Centers of AI
Excellence'').
(c) EPSCoR State Participation.--Not less than 20 percent of
designated Community College and Vocational School Centers of AI
Excellence shall be eligible applicants that are located in a State
jurisdiction eligible to participate in the National Science
Foundation's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
under section 113 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act
of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g).
(d) Application.--An eligible applicant that desires to be
designated as a Center of AI Excellence shall submit an application to
the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Director may reasonably require. Such application
shall specify a focus area or areas for the Center of AI Excellence,
which may be any of the following:
(1) AI education and training related to agriculture.
(2) AI education and training related to manufacturing.
(3) AI education and training related to applications of
AI-based technology and AI literacy.
(4) AI education and training related to another focus area
as specified by the eligible applicant.
(e) Activities.--A designated Center of AI Excellence shall develop
and disseminate information about best practices for--
(1) artificial intelligence research and education at
community colleges and area career and technical education
schools;
(2) methods to scale up successful programs that perform
research or provide education on artificial intelligence at
community colleges and area career and technical education
schools;
(3) providing hands-on research opportunities on artificial
intelligence and learning opportunities for students that are
enabled through artificial intelligence; and
(4) identifying pathways to employment for students that
are enabled by artificial intelligence.
(f) Performance Measurement, Transparency, and Accountability.--
(1) Metrics, standards and assessment.-- The Director, in
coordination with the Regional Technology Hubs program at the
Department of Commerce and the Regional Innovation Engines
program at the National Science Foundation, shall develop
metrics to assess, and shall assess, the effectiveness of each
designated Center of AI Excellence in carrying out the
activities described in subsection (e).
(2) Final reports by recipients of strategy implementation
grants and cooperative agreements.--The Director shall require
each Center of AI Excellence designated under this section to
submit to the Director a report on the activities of the Center
of AI Excellence that are supported by Federal funds or Federal
cooperative agreements.
(g) Annual Reports to Congress.--Not less frequently than once each
year, the Director shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress an annual report on the results of the assessments conducted
by the Director under subsection (f)(1) during the period covered by
the report.
(h) Method.--The Director may carry out this section through new or
existing programs.
(i) Sunset.--The section shall cease to be effective, and the
activities authorized under this section shall terminate on the date
that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 10. AWARD PROGRAM FOR RESEARCH ON AI IN EDUCATION.
(a) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible entity''
means--
(1) an institution of higher education;
(2) a nonprofit organization; or
(3) a consortium of 1 or more institution of higher
education or a nonprofit organization and 1 or more private
entities.
(b) Program Authorized.--
(1) In general.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall
make awards, on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to
eligible entities, to enable the eligible entities to promote
research on teaching models, tools, and materials for
artificial intelligence and integration with other key emerging
technologies, such as quantum information science and
technologies and photonics, with a focus on teaching and
learning for elementary school and secondary school students
who are from low-income, rural, or Tribal populations.
(2) Method.--The Director may carry out this section by
making awards through new or existing programs.
(c) Application.--
(1) In general.--An eligible entity that desires to receive
an award under this section shall submit an application to the
Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Director may require.
(2) Contents.--An application described in paragraph (1)
shall include--
(A) a description of the student demographics on
which the research supported under the award intends to
focus;
(B) a description of any regional partnerships the
eligible entity plans to utilize to carry out the
award;
(C) a description of how such research activity or
activities may inform efforts to promote the engagement
and achievement of elementary school and secondary
school students in artificial intelligence and other
key emerging technologies, such as quantum information
science and technologies and photonics;
(D) with respect to an application that concerns
the use or integration of artificial intelligence, a
description of potential ethical concerns and
implications of teacher and student interactions with
artificial intelligence systems;
(E) a description of how the research on teaching
models, tools, and materials were developed in
consultation with other educators, academia, and
private sector organizations; and
(F) such other information as the Director may
require.
(d) Use of Award Funds.--An eligible entity that receives an award
under this section shall carry out a program described in subsection
(b)(1) that--
(1) emphasizes preparing and providing professional
development to teachers, principals, and other school leaders
to help them integrate artificial intelligence, key emerging
technologies, and computational thinking in teaching and
learning; and
(2) supports research to develop, pilot, fully implement,
or test areas, such as--
(A) evidence-based instructional materials and
high-quality learning opportunities for teaching
artificial intelligence and key emerging technologies;
(B) models for the preparation of new teachers who
will teach artificial intelligence and key emerging
technologies;
(C) scalable models of professional development and
ongoing support for teachers, principals, and other
school leaders; and
(D) tools and models for teaching and learning
aimed at supporting student access to and utilization
of artificial intelligence and key emerging
technologies across diverse populations, including low-
income, rural, and Tribal populations.
SEC. 11. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
RESOURCES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a State educational agency, local educational
agency, or educational service agency;
(B) an institution of higher education, including--
(i) an emerging research institution;
(ii) an EPSCoR institution;
(iii) a minority-serving institution;
(iv) a historically Black college or
university;
(v) a Tribal College or University; or
(vi) a community college; or
(C) a technical and vocational school.
(2) Technical and vocational school.--The term ``technical
and vocational school'' has the meaning given the term ``area
career and technical school'' in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
2302).
(b) Awards Authorized.--Subject to section 15, the Director shall
make awards to eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to
provide or increase access to artificial intelligence tools and
applications to the students and researchers served by the eligible
entities.
(c) Preference.--In making awards under subsection (b), the
Director shall give preference to eligible entities that--
(1) expand the geographic diversity of funded entities; or
(2) are emerging research institutions, EPSCoR
institutions, minority-serving institutions, historically Black
colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities,
community colleges, or technical and vocational schools.
(d) Method.--The Director may carry out this section through new or
existing programs.
SEC. 12. GUIDANCE FOR THE INTRODUCTION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE IN ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director, in coordination with the Secretary of
Education, the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall develop
and make publicly available guidance for the introduction and use of
artificial intelligence in elementary and secondary education.
(b) Considerations.--The guidance required under subsection (a)
shall include--
(1) considerations for--
(A) the use of artificial intelligence in
elementary and secondary education in rural areas and
economically distressed areas; and
(B) the differing applications of artificial
intelligence in STEM and the liberal arts; and
(2) a description of how the guidance was developed in
consultation with educators, academia, and private sector
organizations.
SEC. 13. NSF GRAND CHALLENGES RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
(a) Grand Challenge.--The term ``grand challenge'' means a prize
competition under section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719).
(b) In General.--Subject to section 15, the Director, in
coordination with the Secretaries of Labor and Education, shall support
grand challenges to stimulate innovation regarding--
(1) how to train 1,000,000 or more workers, including
educators, technical and vocational workers, and professionals,
in the United States by 2028 in areas related to the creation,
deployment, or use of artificial intelligence, such as
foundational knowledge, critical thinking, programming skills,
machine learning, or deep learning;
(2) how to overcome barriers in the development of the
artificial intelligence education and training;
(3) methods and strategies for creating artificial
intelligence education and training that does not displace
workers, including teachers, in the workforce;
(4) ways to increase the number of women who receive
artificial intelligence education and training; and
(5) how to ensure rural areas of the United States are able
to benefit from artificial intelligence education and training.
(c) Method.--The Director may carry out this section through new or
existing programs.
SEC. 14. CRITERIA ON APPROPRIATENESS OF GIFT ACCEPTANCE; PRINCIPLES FOR
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) Criteria for Determining Appropriateness of Gift Acceptance.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish the
criteria to be used in determining whether the acceptance of
contributions of money, services, use of facilities, or
personal property under this Act would reflect unfavorably upon
the ability of the National Science Foundation, or any employee
of the National Science Foundation, to carry out its
responsibilities or official duties in a fair, objective, and
transparent manner, or would compromise the integrity or the
appearance of the integrity of its programs or any official
involved in those programs.
(2) Requirements.--
(A) Verification.--
(i) Defined term.--In this subparagraph,
the term ``entity meeting the definition of
foreign ownership, control, or influence''
means, with respect to a United States entity--
(I) a foreign interest has the
power to direct or decide matters
affecting such entity's management or
operations in a manner that could--
(aa) result in unauthorized
access to classified
information; or
(bb) adversely affect the
performance of a contract or
agreement requiring access to
classified information; and
(II) the foreign interest is--
(aa) exercising such power
directly or indirectly;
(bb) exercising such power
through ownership of such
entity's securities, by
contractual arrangements, or
other similar means;
(cc) exercising such power
through its ability to control
or influence the election or
appointment of 1 or more
members to the entity's
governing board; or
(dd) capable of exercising
such power.
(ii) In general.--The Director, working
with relevant Federal agencies, shall require
that any criteria established pursuant to
paragraph (1) include a means to verify that no
contribution has any ties to a foreign entity
of concern, a foreign country of concern, or an
entity meeting the definition of foreign
ownership, control, or influence.
(B) Prohibition.--The criteria established pursuant
to paragraph (1) shall include a prohibition on the
receipt of funding pursuant to the National Science
Foundation's gift authority from either a foreign
country of concern or a foreign entity of concern.
(3) Review of existing rules.--To the extent the criteria
described in paragraph (1) have already been established, the
Director shall--
(A) conduct a review of the existing criteria;
(B) update the criteria as necessary to satisfy the
requirements under this subsection; and
(C) include, in the report under paragraph (4), an
explanation of the existing criteria and any changes
made to the criteria resulting from the Director's
review.
(4) Report.--The Director shall submit a report on the
criteria established under this subsection to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the
Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.
(b) Principles for Public-private Partnerships.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall establish principles to
guide the National Science Foundation's formation of public-
private partnerships under this Act to help ensure that such
partnerships are aligned with the National Science Foundation's
statutory obligations and do not reflect unfavorably upon the
ability of the National Science Foundation or any employee of
the National Science Foundation, to carry out its
responsibilities or official duties in a fair, objective, and
transparent manner, or compromise the integrity or the
appearance of the integrity of its programs or any official
involved in those programs.
(2) Review of existing principles.--To the extent the
principles described in paragraph (1) have already been
established, the Director shall--
(A) conduct a review of the existing principles;
(B) update the principles as necessary to satisfy
the requirements under paragraph (1); and
(C) include, in the report under paragraph (3), an
explanation of the existing principles and any changes
made to the principles resulting from the Director's
review.
(3) Report.--The Director shall submit a report on the
principles established under this subsection to the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the
Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 15. ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO FUNDING.
The activities under this Act that are subject to this section
shall only be required if sufficient funds are either appropriated by
Congress or made available to carry out those respective requirements.
SEC. 16. RESEARCH SECURITY.
The activities authorized under this Act shall be carried out in
accordance with the provision of subtitle D of title VI of the Research
and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19231 et
seq.; enacted as part of division B of Public Law 117-167) and section
223 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (42 U.S.C. 6605).
SEC. 17. WORKFORCE FRAMEWORKS FOR CRITICAL AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) Definitions.--
(1) In general.--In this section, the terms
``competencies'', ``workforce categories'', and ``workforce
framework'' have the meanings given such terms in subsection
(f) of section 2 of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272), as added by paragraph (2) of
this subsection.
(2) Amendment to nist act.--Section 2 of such Act (15
U.S.C. 272) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Competencies.--The term `competencies' means
knowledge and skills.
``(2) Workforce categories.--The term `workforce
categories' means a high-level grouping of tasks across an
organization as defined by work roles within the category.
``(3) Workforce framework.--The term `workforce framework'
means a common taxonomy and lexicon for any given domain that
includes the building blocks of tasks, knowledge, or skills
that can be structured to form work roles or competency
areas.''.
(b) Expansion of Functions of Director of National Institute of
Standards and Technology to Include Workforce Frameworks for Critical
and Emerging Technologies.--Section 2(b) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (12), by striking ``; and'' and inserting
a semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (13), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(14)(A) to develop, maintain, and provide industry,
government, research, nonprofit, labor organizations, and
educational institutions with workforce frameworks for critical
and emerging technologies and other science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics domains for the purpose of
bolstering scientific and technical education, training, and
workforce development;
``(B) at least once every 3 years--
``(i) to determine if an update to any workforce
framework, or its components or associated materials,
including work roles or competency areas, provided
pursuant to subparagraph (A) are appropriate; and
``(ii) if the Director determines it is appropriate
under clause (i), to update such frameworks and
components;
``(C) consider including in all workforce frameworks, or
associated materials--
``(i) relevant professional skills or employability
skills;
``(ii) relevant support or operations work roles
and competency areas such as administration and
finance, law and policy, ethics, privacy, human
resources, information technology, operational
technology, supply chain security, and acquisition and
procurement;
``(iii) information that promotes the discovery of
careers in critical and emerging technologies and the
multiple career pathways for learners from a variety of
backgrounds, including individuals with nontechnical or
other nontraditional backgrounds and education; and
``(iv) information for how individuals can acquire
relevant credentials (e.g., academic degrees,
certificates, certifications, etc.) that qualify
individuals for employment and career advancement;
``(D) consult, as the Director considers appropriate, with
Federal agencies, industry, State, local, Tribal, and
territorial government, nonprofit, labor organizations,
research, and academic institutions in the development of
workforce frameworks, or associated materials;
``(E) to produce resources in multiple languages to support
global adoption of the frameworks provided pursuant to
subparagraph (A); and
``(F) after each determination under subparagraph (B), to
submit to Congress a report on such determination and any plans
to review and update any workforce frameworks under this
paragraph.''.
(c) NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity Update.--
(1) Report on updates.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and subsequently
pursuant to paragraph (14)(F) of section (2)(b) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15
U.S.C. 272(b)), as added by subsection (b) of this
section, the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology shall submit to Congress a
report that describes the process for ongoing review
and updates to the National Initiative for
Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework for
Cybersecurity (NIST Special Publication 800-181), or a
successor framework.
(B) Requirements.--Each report submitted pursuant
to subparagraph (A) shall--
(i) summarize proposed changes to the
framework;
(ii) identify, with regard to the work
roles, tasks, knowledge, and skills included in
the framework, how industry, academia, labor
organizations, and relevant government agencies
are consulted in the update; and
(iii) describe--
(I) the ongoing process and
timeline for updating the framework;
and
(II) the incorporation of any
additional work roles or competency
areas in domains such as administration
and finance, law and policy, ethics,
privacy, human resources, information
technology, operational technology,
supply chain security, and acquisition
and procurement.
(2) Report on application and use of nice framework.--Not
later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act
and not less frequently than once every 3 years thereafter for
9 years, the Director shall, in consultation with industry,
government, nonprofit, labor organizations, research, and
academic institutions, submit to Congress a report that
identifies--
(A) applications and uses of the framework
described in paragraph (1)(A) in practice;
(B) any guidance that the program office of the
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education
provides to increase adoption by employers and
education and training providers of the work roles and
competency areas for individuals who perform
cybersecurity work at all proficiency levels;
(C) available information regarding employer and
education and training provider use of the framework;
(D) an assessment of the use and effectiveness of
the framework by and for individuals with
nontraditional backgrounds or education, especially
individuals making a career change or not pursuing a
bachelor's degree or higher; and
(E) any additional actions taken by the Director to
increase the use of the framework.
(3) Cybersecurity career exploration resources.--The
Director, acting through the National Initiative for
Cybersecurity Education, shall disseminate cybersecurity career
resources for all age groups, including kindergarten through
secondary and postsecondary education and adult workers.
(d) Additional Workforce Frameworks.--
(1) Framework assessment.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall
assess the need for additional workforce frameworks for
critical and emerging technologies, such as quantum information
science.
(2) Development of additional frameworks.--
(A) In general.--The Director shall develop and
publish a workforce framework for each additional
workforce framework that the Director determines is
needed pursuant to an assessment carried out pursuant
to paragraph (1).
(B) Required ai framework.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (1) and subparagraph (A) of this paragraph,
not less than 540 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Director shall develop and publish a
workforce framework, workforce categories, work roles,
and competency areas for artificial intelligence.
(3) Model.--In developing a workforce framework under
paragraph (2), the Director may use the Playbook for Workforce
Frameworks developed by the National Initiative for
Cybersecurity Education that is modeled after the National
Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework for
Cybersecurity (NIST Special Publication 800-181), or a
successor framework.
(4) Framework components.--Each framework developed
pursuant to paragraph (2) shall include relevant support or
operations work roles and competency areas such as
administration and finance, law and policy, ethics, privacy,
human resources, information technology, operational
technology, supply chain security, and acquisition and
procurement, as the Director considers appropriate, in
alignment with paragraph (14)(C) of section 2(b) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act ( 15 U.S.C.
272(b)), as added by subsection (b).
(5) Professional skills required.--Each framework developed
pursuant to paragraph (2) shall include professional skills or
employability skills, as the Director considers appropriate, in
alignment with paragraph (14)(C) of section 2(b) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
272(b)), as added by subsection (b).
(6) Nontraditional backgrounds.--Each framework developed
under paragraph (2), or materials associated with each
framework, shall include information for how individuals with
nontechnical or other nontraditional backgrounds and education
may utilize their skills for such frameworks' roles and tasks,
in alignment with paragraph (14)(D) of section 2(b) of the such
Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b)(14)(D)), as so added.
(7) Updates.--The Director shall update each framework
developed under paragraph (2) in accordance with subparagraph
(B) of paragraph (14) of section 2(b) of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b)), as added by
subsection (b) of this section, and submit to Congress reports
in accordance with subparagraph (F) of such paragraph.
SEC. 18. RESTRICTIONS ON AWARDS OR SCHOLARSHIPS TO CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS
OR RECIPIENTS.
The Director may not award any funds or initiate any programs
authorized under or described in this Act to an elementary or secondary
education institution, an institution of higher education, as defined
in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), a
nonprofit entity related to or affiliated with any such institution, a
nonprofit entity that engages in established curriculum-related
clinical training of students registered at any such institution, a
nonprofit research organization, or a governmental research
organization, if such recipient has been found to be in violation of
title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) due
to discrimination on the basis of shared ancestry or ethnic
characteristics on or after January 1, 2020.
Calendar No. 486
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4394
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To support National Science Foundation education and professional
development relating to artificial intelligence.
_______________________________________________________________________
August 1, 2024
Reported with an amendment