Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College was awarded a $40,000 grant from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), Dell Technologies, and Intel as part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Incubator Network Initiative. The attributed funds will go toward building an AI incubator for greater access to AI computing power, tools, and resources, aiming to foster the skills needed for future jobs. A total of 15 colleges were selected based on criteria determined by AACC, Dell Technologies and Intel.

“We are excited by the opportunities afforded MGCCC with the grant and participation in the AI Incubator Network,” said Dr. Jordan Sanderson, MGCCC’s associate vice president of Teaching and Learning. “For us, the purpose of the project is to determine how best to teach students about AI in a way that prepares them for the workforce and to be informed users of AI, so the possibilities are many. This funding will allow us to explore the creation of an AI option that could be added on to existing CTE programs, the potential for embedding AI across the curriculum to expose all students to it, and even the possibility of establishing a standalone AI program.”

In January 2022, AACC, Dell Technologies, and Intel announced a joint commitment to grow Intel’s AI for Workforce Program from 18 states to 50 by 2023. In addition to receiving the grant, MGCCC has also joined the AI Incubator Network to connect with community colleges across the nation on strategic economic development opportunities, participate in discussions about learning pathways, strategize on student engagement in AI programs, and gather best practices from each other and industry leaders.

“AI has become an increasingly important focus for community colleges as providers of workforce education for multiple industries,” said Dr. Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. “Working together with peers and across sectors will enhance the ability of our colleges to advance and scale this curriculum across the nation to ensure that students earn the skills needed to fill these jobs and begin meaningful careers.”

Sanderson said that students from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the program once it is established. “There is no prior tech or coding knowledge needed, only foundational math skills,” he said. “We look forward to empowering the next generation with the necessary AI skills for careers in the digital economy.”

About MGCCC

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers exceptional academic transfer programs and more than 50 career and technical programs at 10 locations in George, Harrison, Jackson, and Stone counties. Named the Best Community College in Mississippi, MGCCC is the only community college in the tri-state area to be named to the nation’s list of Top 100 Associate Degree Producers in the large community college category. The college has been named the No. 1 Military Friendly School for the nation’s largest community colleges, a Military Friendly Spouse School, and a Great College to Work For. For more information, visit mgccc.edu, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

About AACC

As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all) https:/www.aacc.nche.edu/

About Intel

Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge, and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel’s innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com. © Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.