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.
NEW MAIN WEBSITE LIVE: Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) Website
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 Goals
Provide Leadership In AI
MAIN continues to provide statewide leadership in addressing AI and workforce needs for the State of Mississippi.
Growth and Innovation
MAIN has established AI labs across Mississippi through higher education partners. Furthermore, the network continues to attract and grow innovative AI and advanced technology industries and employers.
Curriculum
By meeting the AI education and workforce training needs of K-12, community and technical colleges, universities, state agencies, and the business and industry sectors of Mississippi, MAIN ensures continued progress.
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 significantly advanced AI literacy and workforce training across Mississippi, positioning the state as a leader in AI education and innovation.
As of 2024, MAIN has enrolled thousands of individuals, including K-12 educators, higher education professionals, and workforce members from diverse sectors, in its free AI courses. Notably, over 1,600 K-12 educators have completed the Introduction to AI course, earning more than 750 CEU, SEMI, and OSL credits—equivalent to over 7,500 hours of AI-focused professional development. Beyond K-12, MAIN has empowered Mississippi’s workforce by enrolling thousands of participants in AI training programs tailored to various industries, boosting AI literacy across the state.
With over 15,000 cumulative hours of free AI education delivered through courses, workshops, and events, MAIN is equipping Mississippians with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. By offering accessible, high-quality AI education, MAIN is fostering statewide innovation and economic growth, enabling communities 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 Partners
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 Members
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
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
Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN)
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