HBCU AI Research Leadership Act Would Guarantee HBCU Leadership Across NSF AI Institutes
Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Co-Chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, announced legislation to fund and elevate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in artificial intelligence research. The HBCU Artificial Intelligence Research Leadership Act would require that 10 percent of National Science Foundation (NSF) National AI Research Institutes be operated by, or in formal partnership with, an HBCU.
For researchers and R&D leaders, this creates defined pathways for HBCUs to lead multi-institution AI centers, expand workforce pipelines, and attract new federal investment. It also strengthens the national AI research network with more diverse perspectives and community-centered innovation.
What the bill does
- Directs NSF to ensure at least 10% of National AI Research Institutes are led by, or partnered with, HBCUs.
- Integrates HBCU talent and research capacity into the national AI institute ecosystem administered by NSF.
- Targets longstanding research funding gaps while expanding AI education, research opportunities, and high-quality jobs.
"As a member of the House, Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, I have fought to expand access to AI education, research, and career pathways for historically underrepresented communities," said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). "The HBCU Artificial Intelligence Research Leadership Act builds on that work by closing longstanding research funding gaps and opening doors for students and researchers from every community through the establishment of HBCU AI Research Institutes. This legislation expands access to cutting-edge research, strengthens the AI workforce pipeline, and creates high-quality jobs and economic opportunity in communities that have too often been left out of major federal investments. By ensuring HBCUs are full partners in our national AI research network, we are building a more equitable innovation economy and ensuring that the talent and excellence at our HBCUs help lead the future of artificial intelligence."
Why this matters to science and research leaders
- Clear leadership lanes: HBCUs gain defined roles to lead or co-lead NSF AI institutes, not just join as sub-awardees.
- Consortia momentum: The 10% requirement encourages alliances among HBCUs, R1s, industry, and national labs.
- Workforce depth: Stronger pipelines for faculty, postdocs, and students will support institute-scale research agendas.
- Community impact: Research agendas can align with equitable outcomes, local economic development, and national priorities.
Endorsements
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Payne Research Center
- Alabama A&M University
- Atlanta University Center Consortium, Inc. (AUCC)
- Universities Space Research Association (USRA) HBCU Science and Technology Council
"The HBCU AI Research Leadership Act is a pivotal step toward democratizing AI research and development... The Payne Center stands ready to support TMCF member institutions in leveraging this opportunity to lead the world in AI research," said M. C. Brown II, Ph.D., Executive Director of The Payne Center.
"The HBCU Artificial Intelligence Research Leadership Act is essential to ensure American leadership in Artificial Intelligence globally in the 21st century and beyond," said Dr. Daniel K. Wims, President of Alabama A&M University.
"The AUC Consortium, Inc. (AUCC) is dedicated to advancing collaborative scientific excellence toward the development of conscientious STEM and AI talent. Support from the government will ignite the speed of innovation and implementation needed to maintain the Nation's competitive edge in AI," said Michael Hodge, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC).
"From my experience leading an artificial intelligence research institute at an HBCU, I have seen firsthand the depth of talent, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-centered innovation these institutions contribute to emerging technologies. Formalizing structured pathways for HBCUs to participate in national AI research institutes strengthens the country's innovation ecosystem and ensures the next generation of AI leaders is prepared to drive global competitiveness," said Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, Founding Director of the North Carolina Central University Institute of AI and Emerging Research (IAIER).
"The HBCU S&T Council endorses the draft legislation for the HBCU AI Leadership Act by Congresswoman Foushee that will provide resources for transformative research and workforce development, such that the U.S. maintains its global leadership in artificial intelligence," said Dr. Michelle John, Chair of the USRA HBCU Science and Technology Council.
"AI is one of the critical technologies that the Administration has prioritized, and within the spirit of the President's Executive Order for excellence and innovation at our nation's HBCUs, this legislation builds on our work together to advance America's economic development and national security," said Dr. Victor McCrary, USRA HBCU Science and Technology Council Emeritus Chair and Chair of the National Science Board.
"As President of Morris College, I support the HBCU AI Research Leadership Act introduced by Congresswoman Foushee," said President of Morris College, Dr. Said Sewell.
How research leaders can prepare now
- Map institute themes: Review prior NSF National AI Research Institutes solicitations and funded themes to position strengths early.
- Build partnerships: Formalize MOUs between HBCUs, R1s, industry, and state economic development offices to support institute-scale proposals.
- Stand up governance: Define leadership structures, data-sharing policies, and IP frameworks suitable for multi-institution centers.
- Invest in talent: Plan faculty recruitment, joint appointments, postdoc programs, and student traineeships aligned to institute goals.
- Infrastructure planning: Scope compute, data infrastructure, security, and compliance needs for center operations.
- Broader impacts: Design community-engaged research, K-12 outreach, and workforce initiatives that meet NSF review criteria.
Context and resources
- NSF National AI Research Institutes - program overview, past solicitations, and funded institutes.
- Executive Order: Advancing Educational Equity and Excellence Through HBCUs - federal commitment to HBCU capacity and innovation.
- AI for Science & Research - practical training and resources for labs and research institutions building AI capacity.
If enacted, this Act would formalize HBCU leadership within the NSF AI institute ecosystem and expand the nation's AI talent base. Research leaders who organize partnerships and capacity plans now will be ready when institute opportunities open.
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