The U.S. National Science Foundation recently announced that $10 million will be given to institutions, including HBCUs, for AI research.
The grants, given to seven projects alongside the Departments of Homeland Security, Agriculture, Defense, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, will reportedly diversify the AI research community.
As part of their ExpandAI awards program, with the funds, the National Science Foundation is aiming to ensure that various AI and machine learning technologies include underrepresented communities beginning from research projects.
Awards were reportedly given to the Texas A&M International University, Bowie State University, Savannah State University, Alabama A&M University, Arizona State University and Clark Atlanta University.
San Diego State University also received funds totaling $2.8 million. The money will go towards their “PARTNER: Expanding AI Capacity in San Diego: A Strategic Collaboration between San Diego State University and TILOS AI Institute” project. The initiative will focus on diversifying the AI workforce by increasing learning opportunities with the new technology in BIPOC communities.
“This is not just about advancing AI; it’s about ensuring that AI innovation supports and benefits the entire nation, leaving no one behind,” said Director Sethuraman Panchanathan per a press release. “Through these ExpandAI awards, we are taking significant steps toward a future where AI serves the needs of all communities, not just a select few.”
The new round of funds comes months after it was revealed that generative AI can pose a threat to Black Americans.
Last week, NSF, through its Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships (ExpandAI) program, announced 7 new awards that will help empower underrepresented groups, promote inclusivity and advance AI research and education. Learn more: https://t.co/WtpamsbvgN pic.twitter.com/CYrSfk1Drx
— U.S. National Science Foundation (@NSF) July 5, 2024
Researchers from McKinsey announced in December that Black workers aren’t appropriately represented in the tech sector creating AI technology. According to their analysis, they make up only 8% of total tech jobs.
Once generative AI is implemented, Black Americans are also further negatively impacted by the inaccurate and imbalanced systems AI automation are based on when it comes to accessing housing, credit, and jobs.
With Black workers also facing an increased risk of losing jobs to AI machine systems, the racial wealth gap between Black and white households is reportedly at risk of increasing to an estimated $43 billion.
To prevent the widening of the gap, researchers emphasize the need to create generative AI based on “equity.”
“Leaders with influence in each of the pillars—including healthcare providers, commercial banks, educators, and CEOs—must build an equity lens into their developing gen AI strategies to ensure that their organizations actively seek to increase equitable outcomes—with positive effects for Black and other marginalized communities as a priority, not an afterthought,” said McKinsey researchers.
