A graduate of Jackson Public Schools is making waves in the world of technology and education — and she’s bringing major opportunities back to the community.
Dr. Amber Johnson Avery, an alumna of Lanier Jr./Sr. High School, has secured a $304,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an AI-powered career platform designed to help students explore and pursue future careers.
According to JPS, Dr. Avery, who made history as the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University, is the founder of Next.Gen.Edu, Inc., the organization behind the groundbreaking new platform.
Her journey — from Jackson classrooms to becoming a nationally recognized tech leader — is being celebrated and she is making Jackson proud.
“This is what it looks like when brilliance, purpose, and hometown pride come together to change lives,” Jackson Public Schools shared in a public statement, congratulating Dr. Avery on her achievements.
The platform that she created aims to transform how young scholars engage with career planning, using artificial intelligence to create personalized, forward-thinking pathways for success.
