The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) is the nation’s first statewide AI initiative, established through strategic partnerships with all 15 community colleges, universities, and key organizations such as the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC), the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB), and the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA). Supported by funding from AccelerateMS, MAIN also collaborates with state agencies such as the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS), the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), and others. This initiative was created to address the growing demand for AI skills and adoption, positioning Mississippi as a leader in AI education, training, and awareness.
MAIN Workforce AI Courses
The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) offers free AI courses covering key topics such as Intro to AI, Intro to Generative AI, AI for Manufacturing, Applied Ethics for AI, and AI for Cybersecurity, with more courses to come. These self-paced courses are available on Canvas and are free to anyone in Mississippi, whether students, educators, or workforce members. Participants earn certificates of professional development throughout the course and Credly badges upon completion. K-12 teachers can also earn free continuing education units (CEUs), while K-12 administrators can earn free School Executive Management Institute (SEMI) credits.
MAIN Partners
Notably, the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network’s (MAIN) influence extends to both public and private sectors in Mississippi. Key members include the Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI), the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (MS ITS), and more. These partnerships are crucial for discussing AI’s impact on the workforce and for promoting social equity and inclusion.
MAIN Members
MAIN Goals
Provide Leadership In AI
MAIN continues to provide statewide AI leadership in addressing AI and AI workforce needs for the State of Mississippi into the future.
Growth and Innovation
MAIN has established AI labs across Mississippi through higher education partners. MAIN continues to attract and grow innovative AI and advanced technology industries/employers.
Curriculum
MAIN continues to meet AI education and workforce training needs of K-12, community and technical colleges, universities, state agencies and the business/industry of the State of Mississippi.
MAIN Outcomes
Responsive AI Curriculum
Intel has developed a comprehensive AI curriculum that covers essential concepts, tools, techniques, and ethics in AI. Through a partnership with Intel and Dell Technologies, 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
The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) is a response to the rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the impact it is predicted to have on multiple sectors of the workforce. MAIN embraces a comprehensive approach to AI education, AI workforce training, and AI awareness initiatives. Supported by strategic partnerships, MAIN is poised to position Mississippi as a leader in the AI industry, driving economic growth and creating a prosperous future for the state.
MAIN’s Primary Goals
- To provide statewide leadership in addressing AI and AI workforce needs for the State of Mississippi into the future.
- To attract and grow innovative AI and advanced technology industries/employers.
- To meet the AI education and workforce training needs of K-12, community and technical colleges, select universities, and the business/industry of the State of Mississippi.
A Responsive AI Curriculum
Intel has developed a current AI curriculum covering essential AI concepts, tools, techniques, and ethics. As a result, MAIN members, partnering with Intel and Dell Technologies, can access this curriculum. Furthermore, they can integrate it into their courses, either in whole or in part.
Workforce Training
MAIN members are encouraged to collaborate with industry experts, academic faculty, and business partners. Together, they create customized training that meets the specific needs and challenges of the business sector.
AI Awareness Campaigns
MAIN members can lead awareness campaigns, community events, and public presentations. These initiatives aim to educate Mississippi residents about AI’s potential, ethical implications, and its role in shaping future industries.
Intel, Dell Technologies, AccelerateMS, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC), Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB), and the Mississippi Manufacturing Association (MMA) have formed a strategic partnership to ensure MAIN’s success. The partnership offers:
Technical Expertise
Intel, in collaboration with Dell Technologies and MGCCC, will provide AI curriculum, guidance, and expertise to MAIN members.
Infrastructure Support
Dell Technologies, Intel, and MGCCC, will advise MAIN members on selecting hardware, software, and additional resources.
Industry Collaboration
AccelerateMS, MACC, MCCB, and MMA will help MAIN members connect with industry through collaborations, internships, and job placements, linking students with real-world AI projects.
Workforce Training
AccelerateMS will assist MCCB members in implementing pre-employment and upskilling training programs.
Educational Partnership
MGCCC will support the development of AI education relationships among state institutions, promoting resource sharing and best practices.
Contact Us
Dr. Kollin Napier
Director of MAIN
MAIN@mgccc.edu