HARRISONBURG, VA (James Madison University) — James Madison University, in partnership with CGI, will welcome the first cohort of nine fellows into the Bridge2AI program at a January 14 orientation event in Lebanon, Virginia. 

According to a release, funded by the National Science Foundation in fall 2025, Bridge2AI is designed to promote artificial intelligence (AI) workforce development in rural communities through strong university–industry partnerships. 

The cohort participants are professionals who are interested in pivoting into the AI or AI-related careers; current participants are from Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.  

Over the next three years, JMU faculty and CGI partners will collaborate to implement this initiative. The interdisciplinary faculty team includes members from JMU’s College of Education, College of Integrated Science and Engineering and the College of Business. Together with CGI partners, the team will create career pathways in AI for at least 24 fellows from rural communities.

“This initiative showcases JMU’s commitment to supporting learners and communities around us,” said Mark L’Esperance, the dean of JMU’s College of Education. “It’s really exciting to see our faculty being recognized and encouraged to continue to make real-world impacts.”  

Led by Ying Jin, associate professor in the Department of Learning, Technology, and Leadership Education, the project will engage Bridge2AI fellows in a structured sequence of learning experiences, including a paid 10-week internship.  

“This initiative will address the critical gaps in traditional education and workforce development in emerging technologies in rural communities,” said Jin. “By combining university-based mentoring support and hands-on, work-based learning experiences, Bridge2AI is designed to help fellows build both technical skills and professional confidence.”