CRA Launches LEVEL UP AI Initiative to Increase Capacity and Inclusion in AI Education
Washington, D.C., September 4, 2024 – The Computing Research Association (CRA), in partnership with New Mexico State University (NMSU), is excited to announce the launch of the LEVEL UP AI initiative. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), this groundbreaking project aims to mobilize the computing community to develop a shared vision for increasing capacity and diversity in AI education across the United States. This initiative is part of NSF’s broader EducateAI program, which seeks to build a well-trained, AI-ready workforce and ensure equitable access to AI educational resources nationwide. LEVEL UP AI is closely aligned with the broader efforts of the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), as highlighted in a recent NSF announcement.
The LEVEL UP AI project seeks to build consensus within the computing community on strategies to enhance AI education through expanded curricula, robust infrastructure, and inclusive practices. This initiative will help 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 the 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.”
Enrico Pontelli, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Regents Professor at New Mexico State University, added, “NMSU is excited to collaborate with CRA on the LEVEL UP AI initiative. 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.”
Mary Lou Maher, Director of the Computing Community Consortium (CCC) at CRA, emphasized the community-driven and collaborative nature of the project: “LEVEL UP AI is about bringing together diverse perspectives to create a shared vision for AI education. Through a series of virtual roundtables and in-person workshops, we will harness the collective insights of our participants to craft strategies that expand capacity and enhance inclusivity in AI education. The success of this initiative will set a new standard for how we approach AI education nationwide.”
The LEVEL UP AI initiative builds on the success of CRA’s previous LEVEL UP project, which was also funded by NSF to create a united vision for inclusive undergraduate computing education. This new 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 and will serve as a valuable resource for institutions seeking to enhance their AI education offerings.
In addition to NMSU, the LEVEL UP AI initiative is collaborating with key partners, including the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE-CS), as well as several NSF Broadening Participation in Computing Alliances, including AccessComputing, CAHSI, CIC, CRA-WP, ECEP, iAAMCS, LEAP, NCWIT, SRC, and STARS Together, these organizations will work to develop and implement strategies that expand AI education across diverse institutions.
As the world continues to embrace AI, CRA is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and contribute to this transformative field. Stay tuned for more updates on the LEVEL UP AI initiative.
Call for Collaboration
In alignment with NSF’s Dear Colleague Letter, the new LEVEL UP AI project, a Computing in Undergraduate Education Mobilizing award, is dedicated to helping faculty and departments develop robust proposals that strengthen capacity for inclusive AI education while leveraging the resources of the NAIRR Pilot. We invite the computing research community to collaborate with us in crafting proposals that complement and coordinate with national efforts to advance innovation and inclusion in undergraduate computing education. CRA is well-positioned to assist with community building, logistical support, and communications to strengthen your proposed project.
To explore potential collaborations, please contact us at ceo@cra.org.
About CRA
The Computing Research Association (CRA) catalyzes computing research by bringing together industry, academia, and government. Our mission is to lead the computing research community, inform policymakers and the public, and advocate for a diverse, equitable, and socially responsible research environment. CRA’s membership includes nearly 300 North American institutions active in computing research, spanning academic departments, research laboratories, and affiliated professional societies. By uniting the computing research community, CRA advances the field and supports the future of computing through collaboration, advocacy, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Media Contact:
Matt Hazenbush
Director of Communications
Computing Research Association
mhazenbush@cra.org
