Contract Open

GenAI VOXPOP

NCER

Program: Small Business Innovation Research

Award amount: $250,000

Project director: Greg Trefry

Awardee:

Gigantic Mechanic

Year: 2025

Award period: 8 months (09/12/2025 - 05/11/2026)

Project type:

Phase I Development

Contract number: 91990025C0088

Purpose

By developing and integrating generative AI (genAI) into VOXPOP, we will be able to create a new Congressional simulation that aligns with proven practices in civics education, combats affective polarization and sharpens media literacy skills. The addition of genAI to play constituents and power real-time feedback systems will allow students to practice representative democracy, engage with more diverse perspectives, and experience how their policy decisions influence public opinion. This innovation will not only deepen civic engagement, but also help students develop AI and media literacy skills essential for active participation in modern democratic governance.

Project Activities

In Phase 1B, the project team will prototype a system of generative AI (genAI) constituents and policy experts that students interact with throughout a new live-action Congressional simulation. Research indicates interactions with genAI can reduce psychological distance and increase responsiveness to constituent needs. Students will engage with genAI constituents to understand their district's needs. They will then collaborate with other students to craft policy solutions. As students make decisions and cast votes, they will receive feedback from the genAI constituents along with updated poll numbers. We will test this system's usability and educational efficacy in a diverse set of classrooms across the country.