Mississippi AI Collaborative
| Founded | May 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Focus | Artificial intelligence, Education, Workforce development |
Area served | Mississippi |
| Website | www |
The Mississippi AI Collaborative (MAIC) is a nonprofit initiative based in Mississippi, United States, focused on increasing access to artificial intelligence (AI) education and workforce training.
History
MAIC was established in May 2023 by the Mississippi Computer Science Teachers Association, The Bean Path, Mississippi Coding Academies, and representatives from Jackson State University. Its statewide program is led by Mississippi-based technologists and educators including Bob Buseck, Krystal Chatman, and Nashlie Sephus.[1]
In November 2023, MAIC was selected as a recipient of the Generative AI Skills Challenge by data.org, receiving a US$250,000 award and support from Microsoft and data.org.[2]
Mission and Programs
MAIC focuses on upskilling Mississippi residents in AI fundamentals, tools, and ethics through locally delivered instruction and applied learning.[3] Its programming includes professional development for K–12 and postsecondary educators through the AI Educator Accelerator,[4] workforce training for jobseekers, and AI toolkits for small businesses. The AI Agency engages undergraduate students in service-learning projects with local nonprofits and businesses to develop AI-based tools for operations, marketing, and data analysis.[5]
Events
MAIC hosts the annual Southern Spark Conference, which focuses on AI applications in education, workforce development, and civic engagement. The first conference took place July 12–13, 2024, at the Mississippi Museum of Art, with support from Microsoft, Google for Education, and the C Spire Foundation.[6] The 2025 edition was held June 16–17 at Jackson State University’s E‑Center and featured keynote speakers and continuing education sessions.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ "Grant Helps New Mississippi AI Collaborative Jumpstart Digital Equity Programs". Mississippi Free Press. 2024-01-05. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ↑ "Mississippi AI Collaborative Receives Prestigious Grant". Mississippi Economic Council. 2024-01-02. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ↑ "Mississippi AI Collaborative". data.org. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ↑ "Education Professor Selected for Mississippi AI Fellowship". University of Mississippi. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ↑ "Jackson State University Students Coach Small Businesses on Using AI". Government Technology. 2024-07-19. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ↑ "Mississippi AI conference is all about collaboration". WLBT. 2024-07-13. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ "Southern Spark 2025 ignites in Jackson". WJTV. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
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