CRA Update: CRA Receives NSF Funding for LEVEL UP AI Initiative
By Matt Hazenbush, Director of Communications
The Computing Research Association (CRA), in collaboration with New Mexico State University (NMSU), has launched the LEVEL UP AI initiative, a significant project aimed at increasing both the capacity and diversity in artificial intelligence (AI) education. This effort is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of its broader EducateAI initiative, which seeks to build an AI-ready workforce and ensure equitable access to AI education across the U.S.
As the demand for AI skills continues to rise, LEVEL UP AI is designed to bring together the computing research community to craft strategies that expand AI curricula, enhance educational infrastructure, and promote inclusive practices. The initiative directly aligns with national efforts, such as the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), which aims to democratize access to AI resources for educators and learners alike.
“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.”
The LEVEL UP AI project builds on the success of CRA’s previous LEVEL UP initiative, which was also supported by NSF and focused on creating a unified vision for inclusive undergraduate computing education. This new phase will involve a series of virtual roundtables and in-person workshops designed to gather insights from a wide range of stakeholders, culminating in a comprehensive report. The report will serve as a roadmap for expanding and diversifying AI education across the U.S.
Enrico Pontelli, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Regents Professor at NMSU, 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.”
The community-driven nature of the project is central to its success. Mary Lou Maher, Director of the Computing Community Consortium (CCC) at CRA, emphasized, “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.”
Key collaborators in this initiative include major computing organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS). The project also leverages the expertise of several NSF Broadening Participation in Computing Alliances, including AccessComputing, CAHSI, CIC, CRA-WP, ECEP, iAAMCS, LEAP, NCWIT, SRC, and STARS.
A National Call to Action
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.
