Dr. Amber Johnson Avery, CEO of NextGenEdu, Inc., has been awarded an National Science Foundation Grant for $304,993 to develop a career discovery application using artificial intelligence technology. The program will be designed to give personalized career and education guidance for high school and college students.

“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 Johnson- Avery. “We aren't taught much about life after K-12, yet still expected to make major life decisions about our career paths.”

A 2006 graduate of Lanier High School, 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. She currently serves on the board of The Bean Path, a local nonprofit dedicated to bridging the technology and digital divide in Mississippi. She plans leverage this partnership to bring AI-powered career and business tools to the community of entrepreneurs and others served by The Bean Path.

More Coverage:

• Jackson Native and Tech Leader Dr. Amber Johnson Avery Secures $304K NSF Grant to Build AI-Powered Career Platform for Students – May 12, 2025