Governor Reeves Announces Launch of Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program, $9.1 Million in Grants
JACKSON, Miss. 鈥撀燝overnor Tate Reeves today announced the launch of the Mississippi 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 Mississippi. Additionally, the initiative creates training infrastructure that benefits the broader technology and information infrastructure sectors. The initiative is a partnership between AccelerateMS, the Mississippi 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 Mississippi鈥檚 future workforce and economic competitiveness.
鈥淭his is another bold step forward for Mississippi,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 Mississippians 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.
Mississippi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 Mississippians: 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 State Workforce Investment Board and AccelerateMS 鈥 will facilitate this collaboration. The Council will be chaired by Dr. Kollin Napier of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network, and each awardee will appoint a designated representative to actively participate on the council.聽
Grant recipients include:
- Alcorn State University:聽$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 State 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 Mississippi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.
- Mississippi College:聽$723K to leverage existing, private funding. Mississippi College鈥檚 funding will create a 12-hour certificate and a 6-hour microcredential in their School of Law to ensure Mississippi鈥檚 future and current lawyers have knowledge needed to thrive in the AI/machine learning enabled world.
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汤头条: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 Mississippi:聽$1.24 million to establish a Maritime AI Innovation Lab to accelerate AI adoption in Mississippi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, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Hinds Community College, and the University of Mississippi.
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 Mississippi leads the way in AI and machine learning innovation, as well as workforce readiness. It鈥檚 another big day for Mississippi.鈥
Video of today鈥檚 press conference can be found on聽.