The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced new funding opportunities to advance AI education and build the STEM workforce.
In a pair of Dear Colleague Letters to K12 leaders, the foundation revealed plans to expand K12 resources for AI education, as well as career and technical workforce opportunities for high school students.
The former aims to invest in research, technology transition and education related to “the science and application of AI,” according to the announcement. The foundation seeks proposals that cover specific age-appropriate AI education and literacy efforts
More specifically, leaders should prioritize one or more of the following themes: professional development, instructional materials, technology and knowledge-sharing networks that allow researchers and educators to collaborate.
“Compelling proposals will clearly describe a timeline for the work and demonstrate how implementation and impacts of existing efforts will be enhanced by the requested supplemental support,” the letter reads.
The second funding stream strengthens the AI workforce by supporting AI learning opportunities in high school. This includes offering AI courses, certification or dual enrollment programs focused on artificial intelligence and workforce development.
According to the letter, funding requests are expected to advance one or more of the following goals:
- Expand access to AI learning opportunities for high school students through new or enhanced curricula, micro-credentials, certification programs or dual enrollment pathways.
- Strengthen partnerships among high schools, community colleges and industry to support career-connected learning and technical preparation in AI-related fields.
- Design and deliver hands-on experiential AI learning experiences, including simulations, project-based learning and applied research aligned with emerging workforce needs.
- Promote student engagement and skill development through interaction with AI technologies and platforms in ways that build career-ready skills.
- Integrate AI into existing science, technology, engineering and STEM programs, particularly in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, data science and cybersecurity.
- Evaluate student learning and engagement outcomes to assess the effectiveness of activities in improving AI career readiness and preparation.
Read more about each program’s eligibility requirements here.
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