Three HBCUs located in Mississippi are set to receive funds to foster the development of artificial intelligence as part of a new state program.
Jackson State University, Tougaloo College and Alcorn State University will all receive between $1.08 million and $1.3 million in state grants to support key initiatives centered on AI and the workforce. To develop the state’s workforce and economy, the funds will be used to launch an Executive On Roser program at Jackson State University to bring in AI experts as mentors as well as provide support to AI-powered small businesses.
At Tougaloo College, the funds will be used to bring in AI faculty and create learning programs based on the new technology. Meanwhile, at Alcorn State University, the grant will be used to train adults in digital literacy and the basics of AI, while also implementing telehealth resources at the School of Nursing to help treat individuals from underserved communities.
The funds are part of a larger $9.1 million program dedicated to ensuring that Mississippi is well-equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
“We are grateful for this investment in Jackson State University’s mission to expand access to emerging fields,” said the interim president of HBCU Jackson State University, Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. per a statement
“This grant affirms the quality of our faculty and programs and allows us to give students the knowledge and experience to navigate and contribute to the world they are entering. It’s another step forward in our work to serve students and communities through innovation and opportunity.”
Jackson State will receive a $1.3M state grant through MAI-TAP to advance AI education, workforce and entrepreneurship in Mississippi.
— Jackson State U. (@JacksonStateU) June 13, 2025
This investment supports our new XOR initiative, creating new opportunities for JSU and our state. #THEEStandard https://t.co/eXYqMnipTo
The latest initiative comes as AI is increasingly predicted to impact the economy in the next decade significantly.According to a new MIT report, nearly 40% of jobs in the global job economy will be impacted in some form by AI.
Previous reports have placed the global GDP at nearly 7%, but a recent report by Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu has projected a number closer to 1% for the next decade. Still, almost 20% of jobs in the U.S. market alone could be replacedor require close collaboration with AI.
Critics of the new technology, however, have highlighted concerns, with many warning that AI can threaten jobs by replacing humans in companies, particularly in white-collar roles. They also warn that there is little regulation of AI currently by U.S. lawmakers.
Although research shows that AI is currently being used for augmentation purposes, it is moving towards automation, where it will actually perform the job.
With their latest program, Jackson State University is prepared to help students train for the future of AI.
“This project supports our strategic focus on innovation, workforce development and academic prominence,” said the vice president for research and economic development, Almesha L. Campbell, Ph.D. “Through this grant, Jackson State will collaborate with partners to build a model that prepares learners at every level to understand, apply and shape the future of AI.”
