Congressman Fong Introduces AI Education Act of 2025 to Strengthen America's Workforce and Global Competitiveness in Artificial Intelligence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced H.R. 5351, the National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence Education Act of 2025 (NSF AI Education Act), a bold and strategic bill designed to strengthen America's leadership in artificial intelligence by addressing critical gaps in education, research, and workforce development. Joining him in this important legislative effort are Congresswomen Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07).

"As emerging technologies like AI reshape the global economy, it's critical that rural communities, like those in California's Central Valley, are empowered," said Congressman Fong (CA-20). "Our legislation increases access to the tools and training that students and workers across the country need to thrive in the 21st-century economy. By expanding AI education through scholarships, fellowships, and regional Centers of Excellence at community colleges, we can lay the groundwork for long-term opportunity for the next generation to lead in a world of rapid innovation."

"Artificial intelligence technology has the potential to transform our society for good and drive economic growth across a broad range of industries, from clean energy to agriculture, to manufacturing," said Rep. Salinas (OR-06). "That's why I'm proud to introduce a bipartisan bill to help more Americans participate in this technological revolution. Our legislation would help people build the skills they need to participate in the emerging AI workforce, expand research on responsible uses of AI, and leverage community and technical colleges to ensure these opportunities are available to individuals from diverse backgrounds."

As technology continues to transform every sector of the economy from agriculture to advanced manufacturing, the demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing. Unfortunately, while some institutions have begun integrating AI into their curricula, many students - particularly in rural and underserved communities - are being sidelined. The NSF AI Education Act addresses this growing concern by building inclusive, future-ready talent pipelines for our nation's critical industries. By preparing American workers to thrive in a high-tech economy, this bipartisan legislation aligns with national priorities outlined by the White Houseand helps ensure the U.S. can maintain its competitiveness on the world stage, protecting not only our economy but also our national security.

Key Provisions of the NSF AI Education Act:

• Authorizes the National Science Foundation to award scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in AI, with an emphasis on high-impact sectors such as education, manufacturing, and agriculture. The bill also establishes fellowships for students and faculty to engage in AI-focused professional development across STEM fields.
• Establishes up to eight regional Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges and career and technical education (CTE) institutions. These centers will serve as hubs for AI education and research, promoting best practices, supporting workforce training, and enhancing access to high-quality AI instruction in underserved and rural areas.
• Enables competitive, merit-based awards for higher education institutions and nonprofits to conduct research and develop AI teaching resources and frameworks for K-12 students - ensuring early exposure to emerging technologies.

You can read the full bill text here. The NSF AI Education Act is endorsed by the following institutions and organizations: California State University, Fresno, California State University, Bakersfield, Sierra Sands Unified School District, Kern Community College District, Cerro Coso Community College, San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance, Code.org, F3 Initiative, Oregon Institute of Technology, and ACT | The App Association.

"Fresno State appreciates Congressman Fong's leadership on this critical issue. We are committed to working with Congressman Fong to position our University at the forefront of technological innovation by integrating AI across all aspects of our university and equipping our students, faculty and staff with cutting-edge tools and skills. The legislation will create important public-private partnerships and Centers of Excellence that will improve student outcomes and prepare our students to embrace opportunities of tomorrow," said President Jimenez-Sandoval, California State University, Fresno.

"California State University, Bakersfield is proud to support the NSF AI Education Act of 2025. This legislation invests in the future of our students, our workforce, and our communities by expanding access to scholarships, fellowships, and Centers of AI Excellence. By prioritizing inclusive opportunities across community colleges, regional universities, and emerging research institutions, this Act ensures that students from all backgrounds-including those in rural and underrepresented communities-can prepare for meaningful careers in artificial intelligence and related fields. At CSU Bakersfield, we are committed to advancing innovation and equity in education, and we view this effort as essential to shaping a stronger, more resilient future for California and the nation," said D. Vernon B. Harper, Jr. President, California State University, Bakersfield.

"We are deeply grateful to Congressman Fong for championing the NSF AI Education Act of 2025. His commitment to innovation and forward-thinking policy ensures that our students and educators remain at the forefront of modern technology. By investing in artificial intelligence education and professional development, this bill opens doors for rural communities-like ours-to access cutting-edge learning and career opportunities. Congressman Fong's leadership empowers districts like Sierra Sands to prepare the next generation for a future shaped by technology and possibility," said Dr. April Moore, Superintendent, Sierra Sands Unified School District.

"The next decade will be defined by AI fluency and real-world application. By aligning community colleges, universities, and employers through Centers of AI Excellence-and by supporting scholarships, fellowships, and applied research-the NSF AI Education Act connects classrooms to innovation and productivity. Kern CCD supports this bill to strengthen the national talent pipeline and keep our economy at the forefront of global competitiveness, with high-impact pathways in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and energy systems," said Dr. Steven Bloomberg, Chancellor, Kern Community College District.

"This legislation represents an important investment in our students, our educators, and our future workforce. By expanding opportunities in artificial intelligence education and research, the NSF AI Education Act ensures that community colleges like Cerro Coso Community College can continue to open doors for all learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world," said Dr. Sean Hancock, President, Cerro Coso Community College.

"Strengthening the connection between education and industry is key to building a resilient, globally competitive manufacturing sector. When we invest in programs that give students hands-on experience and align training with real employer needs, we create clear, direct pathways into high-quality careers. These public-private partnerships are essential to preparing a skilled workforce and driving long-term economic growth for our region," said Genelle Taylor Kumpe, the CEO of the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance (SJVMA), which is the hub organization of the Central Valley FAME Chapter.

"It is critical that our schools empower students to understand AI, including its foundations in computer science, and that educators are equipped to use AI responsibly. The NSF AI Education Act represents an important step in ensuring that K-12 classrooms have the resources, research, and guidance they need to teach AI concepts in a way that empowers students while safeguarding learning. We support this legislation and its enactment to help every student benefit from a thoughtful, equitable approach to AI education," said Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer of Code.org.

"The NSF AI Education Act is a critical step toward preparing the workforce that will power the next generation. Farms in California are increasingly under threat, and strengthening our agricultural security will require bold solutions that help us go further with less. AI is one of the most powerful tools we have to unlock that potential. Through Congressman Fong's leadership on this bill and efforts like F3i's work to build the nation's first agriculture-specific AI Supercomputing Center, we can accelerate the breakthroughs needed to secure the future of agriculture and the talent to make it happen," said Priscilla Koepke, CEO of F3 Initiative.

"Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector of our economy, from healthcare to advanced manufacturing. This legislation is a critical investment in research and grants that will allow our universities to lead in education, training and innovation to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow and ensure that the benefits of AI are developed responsibly and shared broadly. Oregon Tech is grateful for the efforts by Representative Salinas and Representative Fong to advancing discovery and competitiveness in this area," said Dr. Nagi Naganathan, President, Oregon Institute of Technology.

"We commend Congress for its continued focus on advancing and maintaining America's global AI leadership through the reintroduction of the National Science Foundation AI Education Act. The App Association's members depend on a diverse and well-trained workforce to compete and innovate. The NSF AI Education Act will help ensure that AI education opportunities are accessible across the country, including in rural and underserved communities, building the skilled workforce that small tech businesses need to thrive and America needs to compete. We urge Congress to swiftly pass this essential bipartisan legislation, reinforcing the role of education and workforce development in the broader AI ecosystem. The bill is a commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring that the United States remains a global leader in AI development, research, and application. By expanding scholarships and fellowships, establishing centers of excellence at community colleges and technical schools, and supporting research on AI integration into classrooms, the bill, if enacted, will support the training and education of the next generation of American AI innovators and entrepreneurs," said Morgan Reed, president of ACT | The App Association.