S. 4414 — LIFT AI Act

This section authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to make merit-reviewed, competitive awards to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations to support research activities developing K–12 curricula, instructional materials, teacher professional development, and evaluation methods for artificial intelligence (AI) literacy. Funded activities may include (1) learner-centered, project-based curriculum development focused on essential AI competencies, (2) professional learning opportunities for State and local educational agencies, principals, and educators to enhance AI literacy and promote responsible use, (3) AI literacy evaluation tools and resources, (4) professional development courses integrating in-person, virtual, and distance learning, (5) hands-on learning tools, and (6) augmentation of existing curricula to incorporate AI literacy. The Director may implement the section through new or existing programs. The section defines AI literacy as age-appropriate knowledge and ability to use AI effectively, critically interpret outputs, solve problems in an AI-enabled world, and mitigate risks.