What does Preamble of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to support National Science Foundation (NSF) education and professional development initiatives. The bill's purpose is specifically related to artificial intelligence.

What does SHORT TITLE. of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the NSF AI Education Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. Several terms are defined by reference to existing legislation, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, the Higher Education Act of 1965, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The definition of 'community college' includes institutions that are junior or community colleges, degree-granting public institutions with an associate degree as the highest or most frequently awarded degree, eligible Tribal College or Universities, and branch campuses of four-year institutions meeting specific degree criteria. The term 'emerging research institution' is defined by reference to the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. ’Rural-located institution of higher education’ means an institution located in or near areas not classified as urban by the Census Bureau. ’Rural-serving institution of higher education’ primarily serves areas not classified as urban and offers degrees helpful to rural regions.

What does UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a scholarship program for undergraduate students studying artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields. Scholarships are merit- or need-based and can cover tuition, education-related fees, and a stipend for up to four years. The scholarships are paid directly to the institution of higher education where the student is enrolled. The Director is authorized to award scholarships for studying AI or quantum hybrid computing, AI and agriculture, AI and education, and AI and advanced manufacturing. For scholarships related to AI and agriculture, preference is given to students attending rural-located, rural-serving, Tribal Colleges or Universities, or minority-serving institutions. The Director may administer the scholarship program through new or existing programs.

What does GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EDUCATION. of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a program for graduate scholarships related to artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields. The Director is authorized to award merit- or need-based scholarships to graduate students at institutions of higher education. Eligible areas of study include AI development, quantum hybrid computing, AI and agriculture, AI and education, and AI and advanced manufacturing. Scholarships can cover tuition, education-related fees, and a stipend, and are limited to a maximum of three years. Payments will be made directly to the institution of higher education. The Director may administer the scholarships through new or existing programs. In awarding scholarships related to AI and agriculture, preference will be given to students attending specific types of institutions, including rural-located, rural-serving, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and minority-serving institutions.

What does NSF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a program within the National Science Foundation (NSF) to foster collaboration between higher education institutions and industry partners in artificial intelligence and related fields. The program will provide merit-based fellowships for students, teachers, faculty, and industry professionals. Fellowships will cover tuition, education-related fees, and a stipend, paid directly to the administering institution of higher education. Fellowships will focus on AI-related subjects, including AI development, prompt engineering, and quantum hybrid computing. Applicants for fellowships must submit an application to the Director, who will set minimum participation standards. The Director can implement this section using new or existing NSF programs.

What does ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING FOR LAND-GRANT COLLEGES AND of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a grant program for land-grant colleges and universities to support artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will award these grants in collaboration with the Director of the National Science Foundation. Grant funds can be used for research and development of AI in agriculture, disseminating educational resources in rural areas, and acquiring/deploying AI tools. The Director has the authority to implement this section through new or existing programs.

What does QUANTUM FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS. of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a program for quantum fellowships and scholarships. The Director is authorized to establish or utilize existing programs to support these fellowships and scholarships. The program aims to increase exposure to quantum information science for STEM students and improve post-graduation employment opportunities in related fields. Eligible participants must be enrolled in or have graduated from a STEM degree program. Fellowships and scholarships may include temporary positions at various entities, including government agencies, National Laboratories, and private sector companies. Awards will be competitively granted through a merit-review process. The Director may prioritize fellowships with industry partners providing financial assistance. Fellows assigned to Federal agencies are subject to ethics requirements prescribed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

What does NSF OUTREACH CAMPAIGN. of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes an NSF outreach campaign to promote AI and quantum education opportunities. The Director of the NSF is responsible for carrying out this nationwide campaign. The campaign targets students, teachers, principals, and school leaders at various educational institutions. Outreach efforts should prioritize underserved and rural areas. The Director can implement the campaign through new or existing NSF programs.

What does COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOL CENTERS OF AI of NSF AI Education Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes Community College and Vocational School Centers of AI Excellence. Eligible applicants include community colleges, vocational schools, and area career and technical education schools partnering with various entities like government agencies, higher education institutions, or private industry. The Director will select at least five regionally diverse Centers of AI Excellence, coordinating with the Department of Commerce and the National Science Foundation. At least 20% of designated Centers must be located in states eligible for the National Science Foundation's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. Applicants must specify a focus area for their Center, such as AI education related to agriculture, manufacturing, or AI literacy. Designated Centers will develop and disseminate best practices for AI research and education, scale successful programs, and identify employment pathways for students. The Director will develop metrics to assess the effectiveness of the Centers and require annual reports on activities supported by federal funds. The Director may implement this section through existing or new programs. This section will expire seven years after the Act's enactment.

Back to bills

NSF AI Education Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/2/2026 · Introduced: 3/2/2026

Author: Jerry Moran (R-KS)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs for students studying artificial intelligence and related fields, with a focus on merit- and need-based awards.
It creates a program within the National Science Foundation to foster collaboration between higher education institutions and industry partners in artificial intelligence and related fields.
The bill establishes a grant program for land-grant colleges and universities to support artificial intelligence in agriculture, with a focus on research, development, and dissemination of educational resources.
It directs the National Science Foundation to support grand challenges aimed at stimulating innovation in artificial intelligence education and training, with a goal of training 1,000,000 or more workers by 2030.
The bill restricts the Director from awarding funds or initiating programs to institutions that have been found to violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 due to discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics since January 1, 2020.

119th Congressin committeeS. 1290(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 17 more.

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