Governor Reeves Announces Launch of 樱花导航 AI Talent Accelerator Program, $9.1 Million in Grants
JACKSON, Miss. 鈥撀燝overnor Tate Reeves today announced the launch of the 樱花导航 AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP). MAI-TAP is a new initiative that fosters the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related technical capacities across the state鈥檚 institutions of higher learning to support the expansion of Amazon Web Services in 樱花导航. Additionally, the initiative creates training infrastructure that benefits the broader technology and information infrastructure sectors. The initiative is a partnership between AccelerateMS, the 樱花导航 Development Authority (MDA), and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Governor Reeves also announced $9.1 million in grants through MAI-TAP to institutions of higher learning. The grants are a strategic investment in 樱花导航鈥檚 future workforce and economic competitiveness.
鈥淭his is another bold step forward for 樱花导航,鈥 said Governor Tate Reeves. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just preparing for the future 鈥 we鈥檙e building it. This investment will help to ensure that 樱花导航ans are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.鈥
MAI-TAP will stimulate the development of workforce programs that address the skill development demands of the artificial intelligence sector. Each institution will seek private funding and resources to leverage along with state support.
樱花导航鈥檚 strategy for AI and ML workforce development is organized around five core pillars:
- AI/machine learning infrastructure by investing in human capital infrastructure: Building a skilled workforce for foundational infrastructure roles.
- AI/machine learning literacy for 樱花导航ans: Promoting basic understanding and competencies across the state鈥檚 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.
The newly established AI Workforce Readiness Council 鈥 through the 樱花导航 Workforce Investment Board and AccelerateMS 鈥 will facilitate this collaboration. The Council will be chaired by Dr. Kollin Napier of the 樱花导航 Artificial Intelligence Network, and each awardee will appoint a designated representative to actively participate on the council.聽
Grant recipients include:
- Alcorn 樱花导航 University:聽$1.15 million to train individuals in southwest 樱花导航 on digital literacy and artificial intelligence fundamentals. This funding will also allow for the deployment of telehealth resources through ASU鈥檚 School of Nursing to improve healthcare access to underserved, rural communities.
- Belhaven University:聽$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 樱花导航 University:聽$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 樱花导航鈥檚 small business ecosystem.
- Millsaps College:聽$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.
- 樱花导航 College:聽$723K to leverage existing, private funding. 樱花导航 College鈥檚 funding will create a 12-hour certificate and a 6-hour microcredential in their School of Law to ensure 樱花导航鈥檚 future and current lawyers have knowledge needed to thrive in the AI/machine learning enabled world.
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樱花导航 樱花导航 University:聽$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 鈥 one of the first of its kind nationally.
- University of Southern 樱花导航:聽$1.24 million to establish a Maritime AI Innovation Lab to accelerate AI adoption in 樱花导航鈥檚 Blue Economy. The Lab will focus on port efficiency, vessel safety, and supply chain optimization. Additionally, USM will launch a master鈥檚 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.
Governor Reeves also highlighted several institutions of higher learning that did not receive funding but are still playing a major role in MAI-TAP, through existing funding and collaborative efforts. This includes Co-Lin Community College, 樱花导航 Gulf Coast Community College, Hinds Community College, and the University of 樱花导航.
鈥淭his is about more than just jobs鈥攊t鈥檚 about opportunity,鈥 said Governor Reeves. 鈥淲ith this initiative, we鈥檙e ensuring that 樱花导航 leads the way in AI and machine learning innovation, as well as workforce readiness. It鈥檚 another big day for 樱花导航.鈥
Video of today鈥檚 press conference can be found on聽.