Members of AI4OPT, along with representatives from Clark Atlanta University and Drew Charter High School, are participating in the Empowering the AI Talent of Today and Tomorrow: NSF Investments in AI Education and Development Congressional Showcase. Co-hosted by the House and Senate AI Caucuses, this event underscores the vital role of AI in shaping the future workforce and national progress. The attendees from these institutions are highlighting AI4OPT’s educational initiatives, which focus on preparing students, particularly from historically Black and Hispanic-serving schools, to become future leaders in AI.

Representing AI4OPT at the showcase are Pascal Van Hentenryck, Professor at Georgia Tech and AI4OPT Principal Investigator, and Kevin Dalmeijer, Managing Director of AI4OPT. They are joined by Beth White, Director of Academic Programs at Drew Charter High School, and Charles Pierre, PhD, MSc, Analytics Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Clark Atlanta University, to discuss AI4OPT’s impactful educational efforts.

NSF Program Director Georgia-Ann Klutke is also in attendance, supporting the event and highlighting NSF’s commitment to fostering an AI-ready workforce through initiatives like AI4OPT. The team’s outreach to historically Black and Hispanic-serving schools in Georgia and California exemplifies their dedication to inspiring and empowering the next generation of AI talent.

This showcase offers a unique opportunity to engage with NSF-funded projects like AI4OPT, which prioritize innovation in AI education and workforce development. Attendees will learn how AI4OPT and its partners are contributing to NSF’s mission to expand access to AI education and cultivate a diverse, AI-equipped workforce ready for the future.