BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) \u2014 With new opportunities for workforce training, increased enrollment and the potential for national recognition, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) is experiencing a time of growth.<\/p>\n
New workforce training opportunities<\/p>\n
MGCCC President Dr. Mary Graham said part of a community college\u2019s value is that it provides training for all levels of the workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe train teachers, doctors. We train welders, you know, process technicians, diesel mechanics,\u201d she said. \u201cOur goal is always to try to provide for the workforce and make sure we\u2019re training in relevant areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of MGCCC\u2019s newest training programs is for artificial intelligence. <\/p>\n
Graham said, upon recognizing the technology\u2019s economic potential five or six years ago, the school began developing opportunities for students to engage with and learn about the AI sector. <\/p>\n
While MGCCC is the lead on the grant, the initiative, known as the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network, is for community colleges, universities and other education partners across the state.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have partnered with Intel, with Dell, with Accelerate Mississippi. The governor\u2019s been very generous in support of our initiative. We\u2019re working with K-12 to teach them to use it, but also to create this ecosystem in Mississippi where we can invite economic development. We\u2019ll have a workforce ready to utilize that technology,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Enrollment<\/p>\n
With new workforce training comes the potential for higher enrollment numbers.<\/p>\n
Graham said MGCCC\u2019s fall enrollment numbers are up 7 percent, following a summer session that also saw an increase in enrollment. The increases come at a time when enrollment rates were projected to drop because of a dip in birth rates during the Great Recession nearly 20 years ago. <\/p>\n
MGCCC adjusted its recruitment strategies toward high school and adult students to account for the dip.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe enrollment cliff is a real thing nationally. We\u2019re working with the high schools in our district to make sure that those students have the opportunity to complete college work and to potentially get their associate\u2019s degree while still in high school. We\u2019re also working with military. We\u2019re working with adult students to make sure that we are giving an opportunity,\u201d Graham said.<\/p>\n
Aspen Award finalist<\/p>\n
MGCCC is one of 10 finalists for the Aspen Award, a national award given to one of more than 1,200 community colleges in the U.S. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re more than excited, as you can imagine. One may compare this to the Heisman. Okay. That\u2019s my analogy. But we\u2019re excited,\u201d Graham said.<\/p>\n
Judging is based on outcomes, retention, transferability and graduation rates.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a community college is doing what it\u2019s built to do, these are things that matter. And so we\u2019ll know in April. They\u2019ll come for a visit this fall.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a $1 million prize on the line, Graham said the school would use the money for scholarships or enhancing the campuses in MGCCC\u2019s system.<\/p>\n
One of the criteria, transferability, is an area of success for MGCCC, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have great partnerships with Mississippi State, with the University of Southern Miss. Actually, we have partnerships with over 16 different universities for our students to transfer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Graham said when those partnerships are formed, MGCCC works to ensure guaranteed transitions, with built-in scholarships.<\/p>\n