CER: students technical and professional development in artificial intelligence and quantum computing

The National Science Foundation Division of Information and Intelligent Systems awarded New Mexico State University $600,000 on October 1, 2026, under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering program (CFDA 47.070) to support technical and professional development in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

The award funds a scalable program delivering hands-on training to 600 students and faculty from Hispanic-serving and other institutions attending the Computing Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions (CAHSI) Technical and Professional Development Summit, co-located with the 38th Annual Great Minds in Stem Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The curriculum consists of scaffolded learning activities progressing from introductory generative AI sessions emphasizing responsible technology and ethical considerations through intermediate machine learning and supercomputing foundations workshops, then to applied specialization in quantum security using open-source cryptographic frameworks, culminating in a capture-the-flag cybersecurity hackathon. The initiative targets a national workforce shortage in AI and quantum computing by building hands-on technical capacity, preparing faculty to integrate these topics into curricula and mentoring, and establishing sustainable pathways from undergraduate education to advanced study and high-tech employment. Participating institutions will serve as regional hubs for an AI and quantum-computing-ready workforce.

Performance runs through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Abstract

This project provides support for a total of 600 students and faculty from a broad range of institutions to take part in the computing alliance of hispanic serving institutions (cahsi) technical and professional development summit, CO-located with the 38TH annual great minds in stem (gmis) conference in albuquerque, new mexico. The initiative addresses a critical national dual-workforce deficit in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing (QC), by equipping students and faculty with targeted technical training, professional development, and strong mentoring networks. By leveraging the established gmis convening capacity and integrating expertise from academia, industry partners and national laboratories, the project advances three core goals: (1) building hands-on technical capacity in AI and QC, (2) preparing faculty to seamlessly embed these emerging topics into curricula and mentoring, and (3) establishing sustainable pathways from undergraduate education to advanced study and the high-tech workforce. The project transforms participating institutions into regional hubs for an AI and QC ready workforce, directly supporting national research competitiveness and technological leadership. The team has created a progressive program consisting of scaffolded learning activities, technical workshops, and competitive challenges. Activities begin with introductory generative AI sessions focusing on responsible technology, ethical considerations, and fundamental quantum literacy. Participants then transition to intermediate technical skill-building through machine learning and supercomputing foundations workshops. Applied specialization takes place during the quantum security workshop, where attendees use open-source frameworks to explore quantum cryptographic protocols. The core engagement culminates in a capture-the-flag cybersecurity hackathon featuring a dedicated quantum security track, alongside professional development panels, industry networking events, and graduate pathway sessions. External evaluators assess effectiveness and impact on participants? Self-efficacy in both AI and QC, contributing to the long-term transformation of the program into portable, scalable training packages for nationwide dissemination. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.