Mississippi AI Initiative Reports Landmark Year

Jackson, Mississippi Jun 19, 2025  – The Mississippi AI Collaborative (MAIC), a leading statewide initiative in the U.S. focused on generative AI education, workforce development, and public access, marked a significant achievement this June with the success of the Southern Spark Conference and the release of its 2025 Annual Impact Brief.

Established in May 2023, MAIC is pioneering a comprehensive and transparent model for state-level AI engagement, which is gaining national recognition as a blueprint for inclusive innovation.

A Transformative Year of Impact

In just two years, the Mississippi AI Collaborative has engaged over 3,000 individuals across the state through training programs, events, and practical learning experiences. The Collaborative’s strategy of combining educator training with workforce development has demonstrated effectiveness at all levels.

More than 1,200 Mississippi educators have participated in the AI Educator Fellowship, incorporating AI tools into classrooms from elementary to college levels. The Mississippi AI Collaborative employs a “train the trainer” approach to foster collaborative participation. Participants reported improved student engagement, enhanced creativity, and greater confidence in using AI to personalize learning.

Additionally, over 1,300 AI certificates have been awarded to students, professionals, and community members. MAIC’s AI-Thon introduced thousands to generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot through practical problem-solving activities. As one student noted, “I learned I could use AI to help my community, not just for fun but to actually solve problems”.

The AI Agency: Workforce Development in Action

MAIC’s AI Agency Apprenticeship Program connects talented students with the needs of small businesses and nonprofits. Apprentices, primarily from Mississippi’s HBCUs and community colleges, receive hands-on training and deliver tangible AI solutions, including chatbots, automation systems, branding, and digital marketing support.

To date, the AI Agency has partnered with Jackson State University and Alcorn State University to support more than 75 organizations and train over 35 student apprentices, producing over 100 AI deliverables in sectors ranging from healthcare to retail. One client commented, “I never had access to this kind of support before. They helped me with everything, from branding to web design, and even communicating with insurers”.

The program also features MAIC’s Catalyst Accelerator, which has assisted over 60 businesses in adopting AI tools in the past year. Among participants, 100% reported business improvements, and over 80% expressed confidence in their continued use of AI after completing the program.

Southern Spark Conference: Building a Movement

The 2025 Southern Spark Conference was a highlight of MAIC’s statewide engagement efforts. Held in Jackson, the event drew over 200 attendees, including representatives from 90 organizations and over 80 cities, for 48 sessions over two days.

Keynote speakers included Shaina Glass (Computer Science Teachers Association), Bob Buseck (Mississippi Coding Academies), and David Collins (Red Beans Consulting / Innovate Mississippi). Their presentations, along with numerous breakout sessions and networking opportunities, highlighted both the technological potential and ethical considerations of AI adoption.

Attendees lauded the event as “inclusive,” “hands-on,” and “refreshingly practical.” More than 90% rated the experience as “excellent,” emphasizing its focus on real-world applications and diverse perspectives.

A Blueprint for Other States

MAIC is increasingly recognized as a model for states seeking to develop comprehensive, community-focused AI ecosystems. While numerous initiatives across the U.S. are experimenting with AI, MAIC is distinguished by its public-serving structure, statewide scope, and emphasis on generative AI as both a skill and a tool for civic engagement.

The Collaborative is actively developing a replication toolkit for other regions, offering guidance on launching educator fellowships, conducting AI-thons, establishing AI agencies, and building strong public-private partnerships. MAIC’s impact brief details how its approach can be adapted to serve diverse communities while upholding core principles of inclusion and accessibility.

Looking Ahead

As MAIC plans for 2026, it will continue to scale its educator network, expand regional AI Agency hubs, and launch MississippiGPT, a public AI assistant designed for use in education, business, and civic participation.

It will also continue to strengthen its policy partnerships, support AI adoption in historically underserved communities, and develop tools and research that promote responsible AI implementation throughout the state.

“AI adoption isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a relational one,” said MAIC Chair David Collins. “We’ve built a model that starts with trust and ends with opportunity.”

To learn more about the Mississippi AI Collaborative, visit