Rep. Foushee Announces Legislation to Close AI Research Funding Gaps and Establish AI Institutes at HBCUs

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) introduced the HBCU Artificial Intelligence Research Leadership Act, legislation that would expand federal investment in AI research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The bill would require 10% of National Science Foundation (NSF) National AI Research Institutes to be operated by or in partnership with HBCUs.

The goal is to close longstanding research funding gaps, expand AI education and career pathways, and strengthen the national AI workforce while creating economic opportunities in historically underserved communities. Supporters say the legislation will help ensure HBCUs play a central role in the nation’s AI research ecosystem and in preparing the next generation of AI leaders.

The proposal has received endorsements from organizations including the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Payne Research Center, Alabama A&M University, the Atlanta University Center Consortium, and the USRA HBCU Science and Technology Council, which say the initiative will boost innovation, workforce development, and U.S. global competitiveness in artificial intelligence.

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab