Governor Reeves Announces Launch of Mississippi Statewide AI Framework

JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi is taking a defining step in Artificial Intelligence education. The state has released the Mississippi Statewide AI Framework, which establishes statewide AI priorities and provides a structured, stage-by-stage map of the AI skills learners need from K-12 through career leadership. The framework is grounded in a clear conviction: the purpose of AI is not to replace human judgment, but to strengthen it.

"Mississippi isn't just attracting the industries of the future, we're building them," said Governor Tate Reeves. "This framework is another example of our state leading the way in American innovation. Artificial intelligence is going to transform industries, and this cutting-edge framework gives our students, educators, and workforce development partners a clear roadmap to ensure Mississippians have the education and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing economy."

Developed by the AI Workforce Readiness Council, a subcommittee of the State Workforce Investment Board, in partnership with AccelerateMS and the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), the framework demonstrates how Mississippi is advancing into the age of artificial intelligence by building on the strengths that have long defined the state: resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to its people.

The Mississippi Statewide AI Framework establishes a shared statewide foundation for how artificial intelligence is understood, taught, and applied across education and the workforce. It outlines clear expectations for AI literacy and skill development at every stage - from K-12 through postsecondary education and into career advancement - ensuring alignment between classrooms, training programs, and employer needs.

"This is about more than technology - it's about people," said Dr. Courtney Taylor, executive director of AccelerateMS. "We are building a system that prepares every Mississippian - from a student in the Delta to a shipbuilder on the Gulf Coast - to adapt, compete, and succeed in a rapidly changing world."

Organized around 11 core AI skill domains, the framework defines competencies ranging from foundational AI understanding to ethical reasoning, cybersecurity awareness, and real-world application across Mississippi industries, including precision agriculture, coastal resilience, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. These domains are designed to ensure that learners not only understand AI tools but also develop the critical thinking, adaptability, and judgment needed to lead in an AI-enabled economy.

Importantly, the framework is not a curriculum or mandate. Instead, it serves as a flexible guide that enables schools, colleges, and workforce partners to design programs that align with statewide priorities while meeting local needs. The framework will evolve alongside the technology it addresses, with ongoing review and refinement as AI advances.

"This framework is about preparing Mississippi's workforce for what's next," said Dr. Kollin Napier, director of MAIN and chair of the AI Workforce Readiness Council. "It keeps human judgment at the center of every decision and gives educators and employers a clear path to equip learners with the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven economy."

The full Mississippi Statewide AI Framework is available here.

About MAIN
The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) is Mississippi's coordinated statewide AI initiative and first of its kind in the nation, bringing together educators, industry partners, researchers, and policymakers to advance AI literacy, workforce readiness, and responsible AI use across Mississippi. Learn more at mainms.org.