Tech leader secures $304K NSF grant
JANS – NextGenEdu, Inc. has been awarded a $304,993 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop an AI-driven career exploration platform designed to personalize guidance for students in secondary and post-secondary education to discover meaningful, 21st-century career pathways.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to bridge critical gaps in workforce development by helping students navigate career pathways aligned with real-world labor market demands.
Jackson native and tech visionary Dr. Amber Johnson Avery serves as the CEO of the organization.
The platform will use artificial intelligence, real-time labor market data, and advanced learning theories to provide personalized career guidance for students, with the goal of reducing unemployment and skill mismatches. The first markets for this innovative tool will be educational institutions and workforce development agencies, including schools and colleges in Mississippi. Within three years, it is projected to enhance career readiness for thousands of students nationwide, fostering a more aligned, skilled, and competitive labor force.
“Growing up in Jackson and attending JPS schools, I didn’t see the broad range of professions that the world has to offer. We’re building a tool that makes career discovery accessible, insightful, and inspiring for students who often get left out of the conversation,” said Dr. Avery, a 2006 graduate of Lanier High School. “There’s a problem with how we’re introduced to the world of work and how we’re taught to navigate it. We aren’t taught much about life after K-12, yet still expected to make major life decisions about our career paths. I think we all should have guidance and views of the world of possibilities and be able to make informed decisions from a diverse pool of knowledge.”
Dr. Avery is nationally recognized for her trailblazing work in tech and education. She made history as the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University.
“NSF accelerates the translation of emerging technologies into transformative new products and services,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. “We take great pride in funding deep-technology startups and small businesses that will shape science and engineering results into meaningful solutions for today and tomorrow.”
Dr. Avery, who serves on the board of The Bean Path, a local nonprofit dedicated to bridging the tech gap in central Mississippi, plans to partner with the organization to bring AI-driven career and business tools directly to local entrepreneurs and aspiring innovators.
“We’re incredibly proud of Dr. Avery for receiving this prestigious NSF grant,” said Dr. Nashlie Sephus, Founder of The Bean Path. “Her commitment to bridging opportunity gaps through technology aligns perfectly with our mission at The Bean Path. Together, we’re excited to be a partner in bringing this AI-driven career exploration platform to students across Central Mississippi – empowering them with the tools, exposure, and confidence to pursue 21st-century careers.”
“Receiving this NSF award validates the importance of ensuring equitable access to future-focused career tools,” said Dr. Avery. “This funding allows us to build a platform that not only guides students through career decisions but also empowers them with insight into how their unique strengths connect to opportunities in a rapidly evolving workforce.”
All NSF SBIR proposals go through a rigorous merit-based review process. Companies awarded a Phase I grant, like NextGenEdu, are eligible to apply for Phase II funding and additional support, potentially totaling up to $2 million.
