Preparing the AI Workforce of the Future

In this modern age of AI, it’s not just jobs that stand to be changed radically—it’s the entire way we work. While headlines focus on the 92 million jobs likely to be displaced or automated, the real story is the 170 million new jobs AI will create—roles that demand an entirely new set of skills. From AI-powered health care assistants to precision agriculture specialists, new positions are emerging that require a combination of technical expertise and industry-specific knowledge. Without strategic investment to prepare our workforce, these opportunities could go untapped.

Instead of bracing for job loss, the 20 heartland states—making up the 3rd largest GDP in the world—are building a workforce ready to lead in an AI-driven economy. From cutting-edge training programs to industry-university partnerships, business and policy leaders are investing in education, upskilling and hands-on AI experience to equip heartland workers because they know the question isn’t whether AI will reshape the workforce—it’s who will be ready to step into the opportunities it creates.

Educational Institutions

Colleges and universities across the nation are equipping the workforce of the future with the training and skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven economy. In the twenty states Heartland Forward defines as the heartland, thirty-three higher education institutions offer courses, degrees and certifications in artificial intelligence. 

• The University of Texas: UT Austin dubbed 2024 “The Year of AI,” resulting in more than 100 AI-focused events (including AI Live, a three-day AI conference drawing thousands of attendees), 700 new Master’s students in AI and partnerships with Microsoft and Dell Technologies to foster campus wide AI innovation among students, faculty and staff.
• Grand Valley State University (MI): In response to a 338% increase in AI-related job postings across West Michigan over the last three years, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) recently launched new degree programs in artificial intelligence. An estimated 20,000 regional tech jobs will be added across West Michigan in the next 10 years, fueling the continued need for an AI- and tech-literate workforce in West Michigan. 
• Iowa State University: The university offers a range of undergraduate courses, a graduate degree and numerous research opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence, attracting students from across the state and beyond. In addition, Iowa State’s Center for Industrial Research and Service helps businesses develop AI strategies, identify real-world use cases and leverage AI resources to enhance efficiency and innovation.

Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration between government, industry and academic institutions is proving essential to preparing workers for AI-driven careers. Across the heartland, forward-thinking partnerships are driving workforce development, supporting businesses and removing barriers to access AI training.

• Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence: Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) is a new initiative by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) aimed at making the state a leader in high-growth, technology-enabled startups. Its first major effort is the Louisiana Growth Fund, backed by $50 million in federal funding to support startup creation and expansion. Another key initiative is the Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence, a nonprofit that will drive AI-focused research, workforce development and business modernization, starting with equipping 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.
• Central Wisconsin AI Center: The CWAIC is a partnership between regional leaders in business, education and economic development to transform Central Wisconsin into a hub of AI expertise and application. The mission is to equip businesses, students and the workforce with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the era of artificial intelligence. Over the next three years, the CWAIC aims to engage with over 100,000 workers and over 300 businesses in the region through digital AI assessments, digital AI training and in-person workshops and seminars.
• Indiana’s “Prepping Hoosiers for AI Workforce” Initiative: Knowing that up to 85% of existing jobs will be impacted by AI in the next three to five years, TechPoint—a non-profit working to expand the tech talent pipeline in Indiana—has partnered with InnoPower to train and prepare Indiana workers to compete in the innovation economy, with the initial goal of training 1,000 people to use the Prompt Engineering AI tool by July 31st. 

The Data Center Boom

As demand for AI computing power is exponentially increasing, the heartland is becoming a key hub for data center investment. In the past year alone, 18 new data centers have been announced across the region. With lower energy costs, abundant undeveloped land and robust existing energy infrastructure, heartland states are drawing significant tech investments to power the next generation of AI innovation.

• Louisiana: In a landmark investment, Meta is building a $10 billion AI-optimized data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana. This project will create 1,000 construction jobs and bring permanent high-tech jobs to the region, reinforcing Louisiana’s position as an AI-driven economic hub.
• Ohio: The development of large-scale data centers in Ohio has created thousands of jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance, while also contributing billions to the state’s GDP. In addition to direct employment, data centers foster a network of support roles in telecommunications, software development, facilities management and power generation. They also play a key role in advancing educational programs, including professional training, to meet the growing demand for tech talent.
• Texas: Data center investments in Dallas suburb Red Oak, TX, totaling $13 billion, are expected to quadruple the city’s taxable land value and bring significant economic growth. These facilities are creating thousands of construction, operations and support jobs, while also increasing city revenue to fund key community investments in education, public safety and infrastructure. Additionally, Texas State Technical College is developing a data center curriculum to ensure the local workforce is prepared to take advantage of the city’s economic growth.

The Heartland of the Future

AI is not just transforming industries—it’s revolutionizing the American workforce. As AI adoption accelerates, states and businesses across the heartland are building a workforce that doesn’t simply keep pace with change, but leads it.

By investing in AI education, forging public-private partnerships and leveraging the region’s strengths in industries like manufacturing, agriculture and logistics, heartland states are ensuring their workers don’t just fill jobs—they usher in the next wave of innovation. Thriving in an AI-powered economy isn’t about geography; it’s about readiness. And the heartland is proving talent, opportunity and ambition aren’t confined to the coasts.