The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) is the nation’s first and only statewide AI network. It addresses the rapid emergence of AI and its transformative impact on Mississippi’s workforce.

The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), spearheaded by Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), was established through strategic collaborations with key partners such as AccelerateMS, the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC), the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB), the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), and global technology leaders Intel and Dell Technologies. This robust alliance spans all 15 Mississippi community colleges, major universities, private institutions, K-12 education, state government, law enforcement, military, business sectors, and more. Together, these partnerships position Mississippi as a national leader in AI education, workforce training, and innovation.

MAIN Workforce AI Courses

MAIN offers a range of free, self-paced AI courses developed in partnership with Intel. Specifically, utilizing Intel’s AI for Workforce curriculum, these courses provide foundational and specialized knowledge in areas such as Introduction to AI, Generative AI, AI for Manufacturing, Applied Ethics for AI, AI for Cybersecurity, and AI for Sustainability—with more coming soon. By adapting the courses into Canvas, MAIN ensures accessible, flexible, and inclusive AI education for anyone in Mississippi—including students, educators, and workforce members.

Participants earn professional development certificates and Credly badges upon completion. K-12 teachers receive continuing education units (CEUs), and K-12 administrators earn School Executive Management Institute (SEMI) credits, all at no cost.

Each course offers 64 hours of content across 16 modules, structured over a 16-week period. Furthermore, modules must be completed sequentially to ensure a thorough understanding before advancing. Although instructor-free, the courses support active learning through slides, videos, discussions, quizzes, and assignments. Moreover, this allows participants to engage at their own pace and gain practical experience with essential AI concepts.

MAIN Achievements

Since its inception, MAIN has achieved impressive strides in advancing AI literacy and training across Mississippi. As of November 2024, MAIN’s Introduction to AI course has enrolled over 1,600 K-12 educators. Moreover, it has awarded more than 700 free CEUs and SEMI credits, equating to over 7,500 hours of AI education for K-12 educators alone. Extending beyond K-12, MAIN has made AI curriculum accessible to tens of thousands of higher education professionals. Additionally, it has enrolled hundreds of workforce members from diverse sectors, empowering Mississippi’s workforce.

Through its comprehensive courses, workshops, and events, MAIN has delivered over 15,000 cumulative hours of free AI education. Consequently, this positions Mississippi as a national leader in AI readiness and lays a robust foundation for future innovation and economic growth. MAIN continues to expand its reach by offering free, equitable AI education to all Mississippians. Thus, this empowers communities statewide to actively shape the future of technology.

MAIN AI Labs

With support from AccelerateMS funding, MAIN is establishing AI labs at partner institutions across Mississippi. Consequently, these labs foster innovation statewide, providing AI-ready resources that empower institutions to integrate and expand AI curriculum. By revitalizing existing courses and supporting new programs and degree pathways, these labs offer access to cutting-edge facilities and technology. Additionally, students, educators, and workforce members benefit from these resources.

MAIN AI labs not only support skill development for Mississippi’s workforce but also position educational institutions as hubs of technological advancement. Furthermore, this closely aligns with Mississippi’s goals for economic growth and AI leadership.

MAIN’s influence extends across both public and private sectors, forging essential alliances with various organizations. These include the Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI), state government, military partners, and key agencies like the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), and the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS). These partnerships enable MAIN to deliver advanced workforce training, technical expertise, infrastructure support, and industry alignment.

Moreover, through initiatives in AI education, workforce development, and social equity, MAIN is advancing AI literacy and readiness across Mississippi. It is building a resilient workforce equipped for an AI-driven economy.

MAIN Outcomes

Responsive AI Curriculum

Intel has developed a comprehensive AI curriculum that covers essential concepts, tools, techniques, and ethics in AI. As a result, MAIN members can access this curriculum for free. Partners can use it to enhance existing courses or create new courses, programs, and degrees to offer across Mississippi.

Workforce Training

MAIN members are encouraged to collaborate with industry experts, academic faculty, and business partners. Together, they design customized training that meets the specific needs and challenges of businesses.

AI Awareness

MAIN members can lead awareness campaigns, community events, and public presentations. These efforts aim to educate Mississippi residents about AI’s potential, its ethical implications, and its role in shaping future industries.

MAIN FAQ

Contact Us

Contact MAIN

Dr. Kollin Napier
Director of MAIN
MAIN@mgccc.edu

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