Alcorn State University is among seven universities and colleges announced by Governor Tate Reeves as part of the launch of the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP).
$9.1 million in grants will be made through the program to seven universities and colleges. Alcorn State will receive $1.15 million to train individuals in southwest Mississippi on digital literacy and artificial intelligence fundamentals.
“This grant represents a transformative opportunity for Mississippi, our region, and Alcorn State University as we work to build bridges, provide access, and expand our state’s workforce,” said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State. “MAI-TAP provides a pathway to empower rural communities with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy and the skills to not just keep pace, but lead. I would like to thank Dr. La Shon Brooks and her team for their hard work and commitment to this project.”
MAI-TAP is an initiative centered around developing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related technical capacities at the state’s higher education institutions.
Alcorn’s Building Readiness and Advancing Valuable Education and Skills in Innovation, Technology, and AI (BRAVES-ITA) Program will work to address critical digital equity gaps in Mississippi’s underserved communities through a comprehensive initiative targeting Claiborne, Jefferson, Warren, and Adams counties.
“BRAVES-ITA is a bridge to expanding economic opportunities for community growth in an evolving digital age,” said Dr. La Shon Brooks, director of economic development and community engagement. “With this grant, Alcorn State University is advancing its land-grant mission by delivering cutting-edge AI education directly to the people, using creative, tech-enabled solutions. When individuals gain the skills to access telehealth or earn a certificate, we’re not just changing a life—we’re fueling community transformation at the forefront of inclusive AI workforce development.”
This grant positions Alcorn State University as Mississippi’s leading rural AI workforce development hub, reinforcing our role as a driver of innovation in community-engaged learning.
“By expanding faculty expertise and strengthening partnerships with organizations like AWS, we will create hands-on AI learning experiences for students and build long-term institutional capacity,” said Brooks.
This funding will also allow for the deployment of telehealth resources through ASU’s School of Nursing to improve healthcare access to underserved, rural communities.
In collaboration with AARP, local community colleges, broadband advocates, and Alcorn State University’s School of Nursing, the program will provide digital and telehealth literacy training to community members, preparing them for opportunities in the digital economy and enhancing access to healthcare through technology.
By addressing digital access, we empower individuals and equip communities to advocate for the infrastructure and investments they need.
According to a press release, “MAI-TAP received more than 20 grant applications for the initial round of funding, while the seven selected will also pursue private funding to go along with state resources. The other universities and colleges receiving funding include Belhaven University, Jackson State University, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.”
Officials said at the press conference that the grants are a strategic investment that will directly benefit Mississippi’s future workforce capability and economic competitiveness.
“This is another bold step forward for Mississippi,” Governor Reeves said. “We’re not just preparing for the future – we’re building it. This investment will help to ensure that Mississippians are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”
