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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mississippi workforce development initiative will provide students, professionals, and regional businesses with hands-on training in artificial intelligence and Narrative Intelligence.
SENATOBIA, Miss. — [09/25/26] — Northwest Mississippi Community College today announced a new partnership with EdgeTheory to launch an AI-focused workforce training initiative that will bring hands-on artificial intelligence and Narrative Intelligence training to students, working professionals and businesses across North Mississippi.
The multi-year initiative is designed to equip Mississippians with in-demand skills, increase workforce productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of Mississippi employers. Northwest will integrate EdgeTheory’s Narrative Intelligence Platform into its cybersecurity and workforce training programs, giving participants practical experience applying advanced AI technology to real-world challenges. The program is expected to train 210 participants over the course of the initiative.
The training aligns with the National Center for Narrative Intelligence’s Certified Professional in Narrative Intelligence (CPNI) pathway, an NCNI credential delivered with EdgeTheory instruction. The credential recognizes demonstrated knowledge and competencies in the emerging field of Narrative Intelligence.
The initiative is designed to move AI education beyond theory by giving participants hands-on experience using AI-enabled technology to analyze digital information, identify themes and trends, understand sentiment and messaging patterns, and examine how narratives and influence develop across digital environments. Participants will learn to apply those capabilities to real-world challenges involving communication, data analysis and organizational decision-making.
Narrative Intelligence certification will be provided through the National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI), providing participants with a professional credential recognizing demonstrated knowledge and competencies in the emerging field of Narrative Intelligence.
The curriculum will align with workforce needs across key regional industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and education. Northwest will also engage regional employers and industry stakeholders to help ensure the training reflects evolving workforce demands, with particular emphasis on expanding access to AI capabilities for small and mid-sized businesses.
This initiative prepares people for a workplace where AI will increasingly shape how organizations analyze information, make decisions, and compete. By giving our students, instructors and regional employers hands-on access to advanced AI technology, we can build skills with immediate workforce value while preparing our region for what comes next.
— Dr. Michael Heindl, President, Northwest Mississippi Community College
As part of the initiative, Northwest instructors will receive train-the-trainer instruction on EdgeTheory’s Narrative Intelligence Platform. The platform will be incorporated into workforce training and academic instruction, including Northwest’s cybersecurity programs. EdgeTheory will provide platform access, implementation and configuration services, curriculum support, instructor training and ongoing technical support.
AI is changing virtually every profession, but access to the technology and the skills needed to use it effectively is not evenly distributed. This partnership gives Northwest an opportunity to put advanced AI capabilities directly into the hands of students, instructors, professionals and businesses and teach them how to turn information into intelligence they can actually use. We are excited to help Northwest build that capability across North Mississippi.
— Joe Stradinger, CEO, EdgeTheory
About Northwest Mississippi Community College
Founded in 1926, Northwest Mississippi Community College serves an 11-county district across Northwest Mississippi, providing academic, career and technical, workforce development, and adult education programs. Northwest serves approximately 18,000 students annually across degree and non-degree programs and is committed to preparing students and strengthening the skilled workforce across the region.
About EdgeTheory
EdgeTheory is a Narrative Intelligence company that helps organizations understand how narratives emerge, spread and influence people and decisions. Its AI-powered platform transforms complex information environments into decision-ready intelligence, helping government, defense, intelligence, and commercial organizations detect, assess and respond to the narratives that matter.
About the National Center for Narrative Intelligence
The National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing narrative intelligence and cognitive security as a national capability. NCNI develops workforce pathways, applied research, and professional standards in partnership with universities, community colleges, and technology partners, including the Certified Professional in Narrative Intelligence (CPNI) credential.
Media Contact
Andrew Brewer, EdgeTheory, VP Operations
andrew@edgetheory.com
(650) 830-5752
