The future of AI in Mississippi
Amazon, AccelerateMS, and the Mississippi Economic Authority team up with Gov. Tate Reeves to bring the state to the forefront of AI.
- Mississippi launched the AI Talent Accelerator Program in partnership with Amazon to boost AI and machine learning development.
- The program provides $9.1 million in grants to 11 Mississippi colleges and universities.
- The initiative aims to create a skilled workforce, promote AI literacy and position Mississippi as a leader in innovation.
- Several universities will use the grants to establish new programs, hire faculty and develop AI-focused curricula.
In cooperation with Amazon, Gov. Tate Reeves announced on Thursday, June 12, what is being called the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program.
The new initiative works with 11 universities, colleges and community colleges throughout the state to help with the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning and related technical capacities to support the expansion of Amazon Web Services.The program creates $9.1 million in grants, approved by the Mississippi Legislature, for colleges and universities in Mississippi.
“This will help fuel high demand jobs and fuel this tech-driven economy,” Reeves said. “This will help develop real-world AI projects with public and private partners to solve challenges and position Mississippi as a leader in innovation.”
Roger Wehner, AWS director of Economic Development, said this initiative shows how Mississippi is taking advantage of ever-increasing opportunities to take the lead in the technology future of the state.
“This doesn’t happen by chance or accident,” he said. “This happens through deliberate policy, economic development and economic choices that have been made by many leaders here in Mississippi.”
What the program does
The program is organized in five areas:
- AI/machine learning infrastructure by investing in human capital infrastructure: Building a skilled workforce for foundational infrastructure roles.
- AI/machine learning literacy for Mississippians: Promoting basic understanding and competencies across the state’s population.
- Education and industry-specific use cases: Aligning AI education with industry-driven applications.
- Upskilling for product innovation: Enhancing skills for those creating new tools and technologies.
- Research infrastructure: Supporting the capacity for AI/machine learning innovation and technology advancement.
Who the grants are going to?
- Alcorn State University: $1.15 million to train individuals in southwest Mississippi on digital literacy and artificial intelligence fundamentals. This funding will also allow for the deployment of telehealth resources through ASU’s School of Nursing to improve healthcare access to underserved, rural communities.
- Belhaven University: $390K to hire a dedicated AI program chair and integrate AI content into its online MBA curriculum to ensure working professionals have practical, industry-aligned AI skills.
- Jackson State University: $1.3 million to launch an Executive On Roster (XOR) program to engage AI experts and provide real-time industry insights, ensuring that workforce participants have relevant and appropriate skills. JSU student consulting teams will partner with Millsaps College to deliver AI-powered small business support to cultivate tech-driven startups and enhance Mississippi’s small business ecosystem.
- Millsaps College: $1 million to build upon an existing private investment. Millsaps will establish an endowed chair in AI and Emerging Technology. Through the ELSEWORKS student consulting program and in partnership with JSU, Millsaps will assist small businesses with AI integration.
- Mississippi College: $723K to leverage existing, private funding. Mississippi College’s funding will create a 12-hour certificate and a 6-hour microcredential in their School of Law to ensure Mississippi’s future and current lawyers have knowledge needed to thrive in the AI/machine learning enabled world.
- Mississippi State University: $2.2 million to establish an endowment and seek private match for AI/machine learning workforce and research initiatives. This includes two new faculty lines and the development of a graduate certificate in Data Center Construction Management – one of the first of its kind nationally.
- University of Southern Mississippi: $1.24 million to establish a Maritime AI Innovation Lab to accelerate AI adoption in Mississippi’s Blue Economy. The Lab will focus on port efficiency, vessel safety and supply chain optimization. Additionally, USM will launch a master’s degree in Robotics and Intelligent Systems. Funding includes support for faculty, graduate researchers and critical GPU infrastructure. USM will establish an endowment and seek private match to support AI/machine learning research and application of innovations.
Other colleges and universities that did not receive funding are still playing a major role in the program through existing funding and collaborative efforts. Those include Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Hinds Community College and the University of Mississippi.
Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.
