AI for Mississippi: Forging Collaborative Education Partnerships
Mississippi's foray into advanced technological education, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), is a story of concerted efforts and strategic collaborations. The Mississippi Coding Academies (MCA), the Mississippi Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association (MSCSTA), and Jackson State University (JSU) are working together to address both the opportunities and challenges of generative AI. Each entity plays a distinct yet interconnected role in fostering AI proficiency across the state. And, they are looking for partners in this collaborative journey.
The Mississippi Coding Academies
Founded in 2017, MCA's mission is to offer an alternative route into the tech industry for individuals who might not have access to traditional educational pathways. The academy targets a demographic that often lacks representation in the tech sector, focusing on hands-on, practical training.
Since its inception, MCA has seen 231 individuals enroll in its programs. The success of these programs is evident in the outcomes. Of these enrollees, 177 have successfully completed their training, with 124 securing employment in the tech sector. This represents a significant 70% employment rate, a noteworthy achievement in a state grappling with economic challenges and a digital skills gap.
The economic impact of MCA's training is substantial. Graduates, predominantly with just a high school education, have seen their starting salaries in the tech industry average around $40,000. This salary is a substantial improvement from their pre-academy earnings and signifies an important step towards economic empowerment.
MCA's venture into AI education marks a significant expansion of its curriculum. The academy recognizes the growing importance of AI in the global tech landscape and aims to equip its students with skills relevant to this emerging field. This initiative is not just about imparting technical knowledge; it's about preparing a workforce that can adapt to and thrive in an AI-driven future. Leveraging its reputation in coding education, MCA is expanding its offerings to include high-tech AI skills, thus broadening its impact and making advanced technology more accessible to a wider Mississippi population.
As MCA continues to grow and adapt, its role in Mississippi's tech education landscape becomes increasingly vital. The academy is not just creating pathways to employment; it is fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning. In all its AI initiatives, MCA ensures inclusivity, catering to a diverse demographic and aligning with the Collaborative’s goal of making AI education accessible to all in Mississippi. By actively participating in and supporting initiatives like the statewide Skill-AI-Thon, crucial for raising AI awareness and proficiency across Mississippi, the MCA is vital in driving AI awareness across the state.
Collaborating with entities like Jackson State University (JSU), Jackson Public Schools (JPS), and the Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA), MCA will also be instrumental in developing an AI curriculum that extends from middle grades to post-secondary and post-graduate training. This curriculum focuses on integrating essential skills with equitable, accessible, and inclusive developer practices. As a founding partener of the MS AI Collaborative, the MCA supports an 8-month intensive program to upskill educators run by the MSCSTA, impacting a network of 900 educators and, by extension, a significant number of students across the state.
The Mississippi Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association (MSCSTA)
The MSCSTA is playing a critical role in transforming the landscape of computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) education. Led by Krystal Chatman as President and William "Edd" Blake as Vice President, along with a team of dedicated educators, the CSTA is actively bridging the educational gap in a state yearning for technological advancement.
The CSTA's actions are closely aligned with the ambitious objectives of the Mississippi Computer Science and Cyber Education Equality Act's 10-year plan. This plan, with a vision to establish Mississippi as a leader in CS education by 2032, focuses on several critical areas where CSTA's contributions are particularly noteworthy.
A key focus of the CSTA has been on professional development and certification. Their initiative ensures that every educational level, from elementary to high school, is staffed with teachers capable of delivering high-quality CS courses. This involves providing in-service and preservice teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective CS instruction. The goal is to make inquiry-based CS education a norm across all schools in Mississippi.
In the realm of curriculum development, the CSTA has been instrumental in creating and maintaining a CS curriculum that aligns with both educational and workforce demands. Regular evaluation and updating of the Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Computer Science are part of this process, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and effective.
Many of the MSCTA’s strategic goals align with the goals of the Mississippi AI Collaborative. The CSTA is also dedicated to increasing the enrollment of underrepresented groups in CS courses, particularly at the high school level, and ensuring that CS education is universally accessible. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical in a state where disparities in education and access to technology are prevalent. Building partnerships with regional and local industry for both curricular support and financial backing has also been a significant effort. The CSTA advocates for dedicated funding to support CS education across various levels, recognizing the need for robust infrastructure and resources. Raising awareness about CS standards, courses, and career opportunities is another critical area of focus. The CSTA's outreach efforts target school districts, parents, and community members, aiming to foster a culture that values and participates in CS education.
Beyond CS education, the Mississippi CSTA plays a pivotal role in the Mississippi AI Collaborative, and its initiatives aimed at integrating AI into the state's educational framework. The CSTA's multifaceted contribution to this initiative includes enhancing the capabilities of CS educators in AI through the educator accelerator fellowship, developing an AI-inclusive curriculum, fostering diversity and inclusion in AI education, building partnerships for AI education, and raising awareness about AI among various stakeholders.
Jackson State University
Jackson State University (JSU) is a key player in the Mississippi AI Collaborative. A central element of JSU's involvement in the AI Collaborative is its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIEED) and its Graphic Design program in the Department of Art. This collaboration stands as a model for interdisciplinary partnership, merging the realms of STEM, business, design, and entrepreneurship.
Nurturing Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The CIEED is pivotal in fostering university-industry partnerships, and plays a role in addressing societal challenges through technology-driven solutions. These partnerships are not just theoretical; they are practical collaborations that directly contribute to the state's technological and economic growth. CIEED's role extends beyond the university's boundaries, supporting the innovative activities of JSU faculty, staff, and students, and extending these capabilities to the broader Mississippi community and industry partners. This approach is instrumental in nurturing AI-focused projects and startups, which are essential for driving economic growth and technological advancement in Mississippi.
The JSU XR Academy, focusing on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, aligns with the Collaborative’s goal of embracing emerging technologies. The training provided in this academy ensures that faculty and students stay at the forefront of these rapidly evolving fields, which are increasingly integral to AI development and application. Likewise, the CIEED Makerspace is another key contributor to the Collaborative's goals. Equipped with resources like 3D printers and advanced software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, the JSU Makerspace serves as a vibrant hub for student apprentices in the JSU run AI Agency to experiment with AI and develop practical skills.
Integrating AI into Graphic Design, UX, and XR
The Department of Art at JSU has already taken a unique approach by integrating AI, UX, and UI methodologies into the curriculum. This innovative blend prepares students for the intersection of design and AI, equipping them with a skill set that is increasingly in demand. The program’s focus on AI integration demonstrates JSU’s commitment to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. This hands-on experience is crucial in preparing a workforce that is not only knowledgeable about AI technologies but is also ready to engage with them effectively.
Outreach and Community Engagement
JSU's role in the AI Collaborative also includes extensive outreach and community engagement. By promoting AI education and awareness among a broader audience, including students, educators, and the community, JSU is helping to create a culture that values and participates in AI education and its advancements. Togerther with the MCA, JSU plays a critical role in the development of the Collaborative’s AI AGency apprenticeship pilot, aiming to equip businesses and nonprofit organizations with AI tools and implementation strategies. This ensures that AI education is not only theoretical but also practically applicable.
Lastly, JSU faculty, through their research, make significant contributions to the AI knowledge base. They are instrumental in developing AI applications and methodologies that enhance teaching, learning, and practical application across various sectors. This facet of JSU's involvement underscores the university's role as a leader in AI education and research. You can learn more about their AI initiatives here.
The Mississippi AI Collaborative highlights a pivotal shift in an approach to technology and AI education. As a key partner in this collaborative effort, MCA's commitment to providing practical, hands-on training in technology and AI is complemented by the strengths and resources of other significant partners like Jackson State University (JSU) and the Mississippi chapter of the Computer Science Teacher Association (MSCSTA). This partnership underscores a collective vision for a technologically advanced Mississippi, where inclusivity and accessibility in tech education are paramount. Collaborative efforts, including the statewide AI-Thon and intensive programs to upskill educators, are instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and equitable technological empowerment across the state.
Interested in joining us on this journey? Please get in touch!
Email us at msaicollaborative@gmail.com
