WASHINGTON, DC (February 27, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), a Co-Chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, announced she will be introducing the HBCU Artificial Intelligence Research Leadership Act, legislation to provide federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes.
“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.”
Specifically, the HBCU Artificial Intelligence Research Leadership Act would establish HBCU Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes by requiring 10 percent of the research institutes established through the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes program be operated by, or in partnership with, an HBCU. This legislation would ensure that the talent and research capacity at our HBCUs are fully integrated into the National AI Research Institute network administered by the NSF.
The HBCU AI Research Leadership Act is endorsed by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Payne Research Center, Alabama A&M University, the Atlanta University Center Consortium, Inc. (AUCC), and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) HBCU Science and Technology (S&T) Council. A formal letter of endorsement from the TMCF Payne Research Center can be found here, as well as a formal letter of endorsement from the AUC Consortium, Inc. which can be found here.
“The HBCU AI Research Leadership Act is a pivotal step toward democratizing AI research and development. By mandating dedicated resources for HBCUs to lead or co-lead National AI Research Institutes, Congresswoman Foushee is ensuring that the future of artificial intelligence is built by the brightest minds from every community. This Act leverages the research findings in the recent Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) report, “The American Dividend: Public HBCUs Powering National Strength and Opportunity.” 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.
The full bill text of the HBCU Artificial Intelligence Leadership Act can be found here.
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