New Mexico State University (NMSU) has partnered with the Computing Research Association (CRA) to implement the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) EducateAI Initiative in New Mexico. CRA will receive over $700,000 and NMSU just under $300,000 for an 18-month program beginning in January 2025.
The NSF recently announced $8 million in grants awarded to organizations and educational institutions nationwide to prepare the next generation of talent for a diverse, well-trained artificial intelligence workforce. This initiative aligns with the broader efforts of the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR).
“NMSU is excited to collaborate with CRA on the LEVEL UP AI initiative,” said Enrico Pontelli, dean of the NMSU College of Arts and Sciences and Regents Professor in computer science. “As AI continues to reshape industries and society, it’s crucial that our educational systems evolve to provide all students with the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from these advancements. LEVEL UP AI is a significant step in that direction, and I’m proud to be part of this effort to enhance and diversify AI education.”
The LEVEL UP AI project aims to build consensus within the computing community on strategies to enhance AI education through expanded curricula, robust infrastructure, and inclusive practices. This initiative seeks to ensure that AI education is accessible to all, paving the way for a more diverse and skilled AI workforce.
“At CRA, we recognize the urgent need to increase the country's capacity for AI education," said Tracy Camp, executive director and CEO of CRA. "The LEVEL UP AI initiative is our strategy for uniting the computing community to address this critical challenge. By developing inclusive and high-quality AI education strategies, we will not only meet current needs but also prepare for the future of AI.”
“This initiative directly aligns with the vision of NAIRR, which seeks to democratize access to AI resources and ensure that the expansion of AI education is inclusive, representing all communities in AI developments.”
“LEVEL UP AI: Developing Strategies to Increase Capacity and Inclusion in AI Education” is led by CRA in collaboration with NMSU, the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, the Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE Computer Society, and several NSF Broadening Participation in Computing Alliances. The project aims to build consensus on strategies to increase capacity and diversity in AI education while expanding curricula and infrastructure.
LEVEL UP AI will use a two-phase approach involving virtual roundtable discussions and in-person workshops to gather diverse perspectives and create a roadmap for enhancing AI education.
This new phase builds on CRA’s previous LEVEL UP project funded by NSF aimed at creating a united vision for inclusive undergraduate computing education. In collaboration with NMSU, this phase will culminate in a comprehensive report providing a roadmap for increasing capacity and inclusion in AI education programs across the country. The report will be widely disseminated as a valuable resource for institutions seeking to enhance their AI education offerings.
“AI is not going away,” Pontelli stated. “The World Economic Forum began a training initiative in 2020 aiming to reskill one billion people worldwide by 2030 against careers expected to be replaced by automation. Our students need critical thinking, analytics, communication skills combined with new skills necessary for adapting emerging technologies.”
-30-
CUTLINE: Top: New Mexico State University. Bottom: NMSU computer lab on the first floor of Science Hall. (NMSU photos)
CUTLINE: Enrico Pontelli is dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at New Mexico State University and Regents professor of computer science. (NMSU photo)