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Phase I abstracts were due February 26, 2024. The page is a 2024 news announcement; the competition deadlines have all passed.
AI Tools for Adult Learning is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This program focuses on helping adults learn complex subjects required for national security. It seeks AI tools or technologies geared toward adult learners, prioritizing solutions that leverage generative AI or large language models for teaching STEM subjects through digital platforms to improve learning experiences and outcomes.
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DARPA Reboots AI Tools for Adult Learning Competition Department of War organization. DARPA Reboots AI Tools For Adult Learning Competition DARPA Reboots AI Tools for Adult Learning Competition A senior cadet attends a class remotely via video chat from her dorm room on March 19, 2020 in Vandenberg Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
DARPA program manager Wil Corvey envisions AI tutoring as a way to enhance remote and self-directed learning. Via the Tools Competition, DARPA solicits AI-enabled tools that empower adults to learn complex subjects, such as data science, and adapt to the 21st-century workforce Technological advances and changes in economic conditions are shifting the skills needed to build an adaptive and successful workforce.
As underscored in the 2023 National Defense Science & Technology Strategy , the United States cannot create 21st-century capabilities using 20th-century education practices. The World Economic Forum (WEF) further predicts that by 2025, 50% of all workers worldwide will need reskilling to compete in the market.
The increasing reliance on technology in jobs across the market has imposed additional challenges for the workforce, especially for those from low-income and historically marginalized populations. The good news is that recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can help address these issues with computer-based systems that personalize instruction in real time based on learner responses.
According to DARPA experts, these systems can improve educational quality and drastically reduce costs, increasing access to career pathways for all learners, thus closing the skill gaps that limit economic growth. For the second time , DARPA engaged the Tools Competition to seek ideas for innovative, self-directed tools that empower adult learners to thrive in the modern economy.
The “Building an Adaptive & Competitive Workforce” track invites technologists, digital learning platform experts, researchers, students, and educators to propose AI tools that would help adults upskill and reskill in complex subjects, such as data science and STEM. Tools at all phases of ideation and development are eligible.
“Through this competition, DARPA aims to accelerate the development of educational capabilities for upskilling in this rapidly evolving technological landscape,” said Dr. Wil Corvey, AI Tools for Adult Learning program manager in DARPA’s Information Innovation Office.
“Amplified attention to STEM and data science applications will be integral to fostering a greater understanding of AI-driven technologies and their potential utilization throughout society.
” Corvey is especially interested in tools that: Leverage AI and large language models; Enable data science upskilling or reskilling; Support adult learners in complex subjects such as STEM fields; and Feature tutoring systems and self-directed learning innovations. This new track comprises three phases and will award $750,000 to winning tools. Phase I abstracts are due by February 26, 2024 .
Select participants advancing to Phase II will be invited to submit a detailed proposal, followed by a virtual pitch in Phase III. Note that United States citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. entities may participate. Non-U.S. participants can join as part of a team but are not eligible to receive any portion of the award directly.
Information Processing Techniques Office
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Technologists, researchers, students, teachers, and creators of digital learning platforms. Prioritized solutions leverage generative AI or large language models for teaching STEM subjects to an adult population through digital platforms. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows awards range from $50,000 to $250,000, with total funding of $750,000 in a previous round. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
AI Tools for Adult Learning is funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
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