Expanding AI Voices Act

This bill amends the National AI Initiative Act, directing the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a competitive grant program. The program aims to broaden participation in artificial intelligence (AI) research, education, and workforce development across the United States. Awards will be granted to eligible institutions, including those not among the top 100 in federal research expenditures, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges or Universities, as well as eligible nonprofit organizations. Funds from these awards can be utilized for developing or expanding AI research programs, recruiting faculty, and creating bridge programs for post-baccalaureate students. Recipients may also provide access to crucial research resources like computing and data facilities, foster community building, and host workshops to broaden workforce participation in AI. The NSF is mandated to conduct outreach to these institutions, ensuring engagement from underserved communities and groups historically underrepresented in STEM, while also considering geographic diversity and resource constraints when making awards.